Wireless headset supporting messages and hearing enhancement

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, an eyeglass frame includes a lens holder, a first temple with a first end close to the lens holder and a second end, a second temple, an electrical connector and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board with at least one electrical component can be in the first temple. The connector can be close to the first end of the first temple, facing downward, and electrically connected to the at least one electrical component. In another embodiment, an eyeglass frame includes a first printed circuit board, with at least one electrical component. The first printed circuit board can be connected to an electrical component at the frame via a second printed circuit board. In an embodiment, a pair of glasses can perform hearing enhanced functions to enhance audio signals for the user to hear. One embodiment is configured to be a headset.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/429,181, filed Jun. 3, 2019, and entitled “EYEWEAR WITH PRINTEDCIRCUIT BOARD SUPPORTING MESSAGES,” which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/831,445, filed Mar. 14, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,310,296,and entitled “EYEWEAR WITH PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference, and which in turn is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/803,732, filed Jul. 1, 2010, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,434,863, and entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH A PRINTED CIRCUITBOARD,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, which in turnis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/546,685, filedOct. 11, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,525, and entitled “EYEGLASSESHAVING A CAMERA” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, whichin turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/183,256, filed Jul. 15, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,747, andentitled “EYEGLASSES WITH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/964,011, filed Oct. 12, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,192,136, andentitled “TETHERED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES,” which ishereby incorporated herein by reference; which in turn is related toeach of: (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/509,631, filedOct. 9, 2003, and entitled “TETHERED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOREYEGLASSES,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/527,565, filed Dec. 8, 2003, andentitled “ADAPTABLE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES,”which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (iii) U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/562,798, filed Apr. 15, 2004, entitled“EYEWEAR WITH ULTRAVIOLET DETECTION SYSTEM,” and which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; (iv) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/583,169, filed Jun. 26, 2004, entitled “ELECTRICALCOMPONENTS FOR USE WITH EYEWEAR, AND METHODS THEREFOR,” and which ishereby incorporated herein by reference; (v) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/592,045, filed Jul. 28, 2004, entitled “EYEGLASSESWITH A CLOCK OR OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENT,” and which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; and (vi) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/605,191, filed Aug. 28, 2004, entitled “ELECTRICALCOMPONENTS FOR USE WITH EYEWEAR, AND METHODS THEREFOR,” and which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,256 also claims priority to eachof: (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/618,107, filed Oct.12, 2004, and entitled “TETHERED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES,”which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/620,238, filed Oct. 18, 2004, entitled“EYEGLASSES WITH HEARING ENHANCED AND OTHER AUDIO SIGNAL-GENERATINGCAPABILITIES,” and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference;(iii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/647,836, filed Jan. 31,2005, and entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH HEART RATE MONITOR,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; and (iv) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/647,826, filed Jan. 31, 2005, and entitled “EYEWEARWITH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS,” which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/546,685 also claims priority to eachof: (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/725,896, filed Oct.11, 2005, and entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS,” which ishereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/725,999, filed Oct. 11, 2005, and entitled “EYEWEARSUPPORTING AFTER-MARKET ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; (iii) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/787,850, filed Apr. 1, 2006, and entitled “EYEGLASSESWITH A HEART RATE MONITOR,” which is hereby incorporated herein byreference; and (iv) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/846,150,filed Sep. 20, 2006, and entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH ACTIVITY MONITORING,”which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In addition, this application is related to each of: (i) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/822,218, filed Apr. 12, 2004, and entitled“EYEGLASSES FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS,” which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference; (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/964,011,filed Oct. 12, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,192,136, and entitled “TETHEREDELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES,” which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference; (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/006,343,filed Dec. 7, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,116,976, and entitled “ADAPTABLECOMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; (iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/078,855, filed Mar. 11, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,746, andentitled “EYEWEAR WITH RADIATION DETECTION SYSTEM,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; (v) U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/078,857, filed Mar. 11, 2005, and entitled “RADIATION MONITORINGSYSTEM,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (vi) U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/183,269, filed Jul. 15, 2005 now U.S.Pat. No. 7,380,936, and entitled “EYEWEAR SUPPORTING AFTER-MARKETELECTRICAL COMPONENTS,” which is hereby incorporated herein byreference; (vii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,283, filed Jul.15, 2005, and entitled “EVENT EYEGLASSES,” which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference; (viii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,262,filed Jul. 15, 2005, and entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH HEARING ENHANCED ANDOTHER AUDIO SIGNAL-GENERATING CAPABILITIES,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; (ix) U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/183,263, filed Jul. 15, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,936, andentitled “EYEGLASSES WITH A CLOCK OR OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENT,” whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference; (x) U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/183,276, filed Jul. 15, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,255,437,and entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH ACTIVITY MONITORING,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; and (xi) U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11,580,222, filed Oct. 11, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,581,833, andentitled “EYEGLASSES SUPPORTING AFTER MARKET ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS”,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many of us have experienced the inconvenience of trying to listen to apiece of music from a portable device in an outdoor environment,particularly in cold weather. First, we remove the device from insideour jacket. Then, we take off our gloves to find the right song, connectthe device to a headset, and put on the headset. After we have finishedlistening, we go through the process again to put the device back intoour jacket. To a certain degree, we are somewhat used to suchprocedures. However, to look at this objectively, going through themulti-step process just to listen to a piece of music is cumbersome.Such inconvenient procedures are not limited to hearing music. Forexample, it may not be much easier for us to use the cell phones orcameras and the like.

It should be apparent from the foregoing that there is still a need toincrease the ease of handling electronic devices.

Also, typically, to participate in wireless communications, a user holdsa mobile phone (e.g., wireless or a cellular phone) against his ear tohear an audio communication received in a wireless manner. The userusually also speaks towards a microphone embedded in the mobile phone toparticipate in the audio communication, again in a wireless manner. Morerecently, to facilitate hands-free operation of mobile phones, head-setshave been produced and utilized. Typically, a headset clips over or intoan ear of the user to provide a speaker and a microphone in proximity tothe ear and the mouth, respectively, of the user. Traditionally, thehead-set was connected to the mobile phone by a cord (i.e., wire). Inrecent times, head-sets have been developed to operate in a wirelessmanner, without the need of a cord connected to the mobile phone. Forexample, one popular type of wireless head-set uses Bluetooth wirelesstransmissions to communicate between the head-set and the correspondingmobile phone.

Mobile phones often support both voice calls and text messaging. Whenthe user does not make use of a head-set, the user often holds themobile phone against their ear when participating in a voice call. Oneproblem this presents is that the user is not able to see the screen ofthe mobile phone. As a result, the user has difficultly interacting withthe keypad or screen of the mobile phone when the mobile phone is heldagainst the user's head. Alternatively, when the user of a mobile phonemakes use of a head-set, the user can receive and participate in voicecalls in a hands-free manner. Unfortunately, however, the user wouldneed to view a screen of the mobile phone to participate in textmessaging.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved wireless communicationtechniques for users of mobile communication devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an eyeglass frame includes a lens holder, a firsttemple with a first end close to the lens holder and a second endfurther away, a second temple, an electrical connector and a printedcircuit board. The printed circuit board with at least one electricalcomponent attached thereon can be provided in the first temple. Theconnector can be provided close to the first end of the first temple,facing downward, and configured to be electrically connected to the atleast one electrical component.

In another embodiment, an eyeglass frame includes a first printedcircuit board with at least one electrical component. The first printedcircuit board can be connected to an electrical component at the framevia a second printed circuit board.

Different embodiments of glasses can be applied to multiple functions.With a user wearing such a pair of glasses, it would be more difficultfor a third party to know the specific function or reason the user iswearing the glasses for. Regarding the locations of the electricalcomponents for the multiple functions, different embodiments range fromall of the components in the glasses to the glasses primarilyfunctioning as a headset.

In one embodiment, a pair of glasses can be provided with hearingenhancement and other signal generating capabilities. Most people todaydo not desire to wear hearing aids or hearing enhancement devices. Onemajor reason could be that they do not want to be perceived as beingold. In this embodiment, a pair of glasses, with speakers, has hearingenhancement capabilities. With the speakers in the glasses, the speakerscan be positioned in close proximity to the ears of the users. Inaddition to having hearing enhancement capabilities, the glasses alsoinclude at least one electrical component to generate other audiosignals. For example, the glasses can play music. Such ahearing-enhanced device can remove the associated stigma of conventionalhearing aids. A third party may not be able to tell whether the user iswearing the glasses to hear music or whether the user is wearing theglasses to have his hearing enhanced.

In one embodiment, a pair of glasses can include at least one speakerand typically two. Each speaker is in one of the temples of the glasses,closer to the corresponding hinge of that temple than the other end (thefree end) of the temple. There can also be a tube extending from thespeaker to guide sound generated by the speaker to the corresponding earof the user. The tube can be rotated, such as from behind the temple tobeing downward at an angle towards the ear of the user. The two speakerscan also be electrically connected by a conductor, with the conductorlinking the speakers through the lens holders of the glasses. Theglasses can include a microphone, which can be located close to one ofthe hinges of the glasses. In another embodiment, there can be twomicrophones. The one or more microphones can be directional forreceiving signals in specific directions.

In another embodiment, to reduce the weight of the glasses and toenhance the ease of aesthetic design of the glasses, some of the hearingenhanced electronics are not in the glasses. Instead they are in aportable device carried by the user. The portable device iselectronically coupled to the glasses wirelessly or through a wiredconnection.

In another embodiment, the glasses can include a wireless transceiver.In this embodiment, the microphone does not have to be at the glasses.The microphone can also be wirelessly coupled to the glasses and/or theportable device.

In another embodiment, the glasses can include a connector for at leastone wire to be connected to the glasses. The connector can be at thefree end of one of the temples of the glasses, or the connector can beat another location at the glasses. Different types of standard ornon-standard connectors can be used.

In the wired embodiment, the microphone also does not have to be at theglasses. The microphone can be mounted on the wire that connects theglasses to the portable device.

The glasses can have a number of hearing enhancing capabilities. In oneembodiment, the hearing enhancement is for those with mild or mediumhearing loss. In another embodiment, the hearing enhancement is forthose with severe hearing loss.

One hearing enhancement functionality is frequency-dependentamplification. For example, higher frequencies are amplified more thanlower frequencies; certain frequency bands are not amplified; or thefrequencies to be amplified are tailored to the user.

To tailor the amplification to a user, hearing enhancement capabilitiescan be calibrated against the user. The calibration can be done by theuser or by a third party. The calibration can be performed through awebsite, which guides the user through the process. The calibratedfrequency hearing profile of the user can be stored. Such calibrationcan be performed periodically, such as once a year.

The glasses may also include at least one electrical component for powermanagement. Hearing enhancement does not have to be fully functional atall times. In one embodiment, the hearing enhancement function is ondemand. The enhancement can go into a sleep mode when there is no audiofluctuation beyond a certain threshold in the ambient environment. Theamplification can also depend on the ambient noise level.

In other embodiments, the glasses can also have at least one electricalcomponent to generate other audio signals. These other audio signals donot originate from signals captured by the microphone(s) in the glasses.These signals can originate from relatively private sources or publicsources.

In one example of signals originating from private sources, the glassescan include the electrical components to operate as a phone. The glassescan pick up signals from a caller, and the speaker(s) in the glassesre-generate the audio signals of the caller. Again some of theelectrical components of the phone can be in a portable device wired orwirelessly coupled to the glasses. There can be an indicator indicatingan incoming call. The indicator could be a signal light.

Regarding processing an incoming call, in one embodiment, if the userwants to pick up the incoming call, the hearing enhancement mode can bedeactivated. In another embodiment, one or more functionalities of thehearing enhancement mode can operate on the incoming call. There canalso be noise cancellation functionalities, such as through twodirectional microphones, one pointing at the user's mouth, and the otherpointing away.

In another example of signals originating from private sources, theglasses can include the electrical components to operate as a player.Again some of the electrical components of the player can be in aportable device wired or wirelessly coupled to the glasses. The playercan be a MP3 or other multimedia asset player. The player can be aradio. The radio can be personalized to the user, for example, by beingaware of the songs the user prefers. In one embodiment, when the userstarts the player, the hearing enhancement mode can be deactivated. Inanother embodiment, different capabilities of the hearing enhancementmode operate on the signals from the player.

In yet another embodiment, the other audio signals are from publicsources. For example, the glasses can be coupled to a conferencemicrophone or a theater speaker wirelessly, and thus be capable ofcapturing and enhancing the signals from those sources. Again, thecoupling can be through a portable device wired or wirelessly coupled tothe glasses.

There can be one or more control knobs or switches at the glasses or ata portable device coupled to the glasses. Different types of switchesare applicable for different applications.

Regarding power sources for the electrical components in the glasses, inone embodiment, the power sources, such as batteries, are in theglasses. In another embodiment, the power sources are located outsidethe glasses, but connected to the glasses through an adapter. In yetanother embodiment, the power sources are in a portable deviceelectrically connected to the glasses, and the power sources can berechargeable.

A number of embodiments have been described with glasses having hearingenhanced and/or other audio signal generation capabilities. In oneembodiment, the glasses function as a headset and are adaptable fordifferent applications, such as hearing enhancement, communication (e.g.phone operation) and listening to audio signals (e.g. MP3 operation).When a person is using the headset, a third party again may not be ableto tell whether the person is having his hearing enhanced, or listeningto other audio signals generated.

Additional benefits of having glasses as headsets are that eyeglassesframes tend to be very compact and lightweight and thus have littlespace for electrical components. With at least a portion of theelectrical components for a system, such as a hearing enhancementsystem, outside the glasses, additional weights required for the systemon the glasses are reduced. Further, eyeglass frames are oftenfashionable items whose designs are important. By reducing the amount ofelectrical components, and in turn, space required in the glasses,design tradeoffs required due to having electrical components in theeyeglass frames are reduced.

In a first example of glasses functioning as a headset, the glasses caninclude a connector and two speakers, one at each temple, both speakerselectrically connected through the glasses. The connector can be locatedat the free end of one of the temples. The connector can be used toreceive stereo signals, such as from an MP3 player. Based on aheadset-to-phone cord, the speakers in the headset can also be used toreceive a phone call.

In a second example of the glasses functioning as a headset, the glassescan include two connectors. Each connector can be at one of the templetips of the glasses, and each connector can be connected to the speakerat that temple. To send audio signals to the speakers, the twoconnectors can be tethered and connected together through a connectorexternal to the glasses. The external connector can then operate as theconnector in the first example. Regarding other embodiments, thespeakers can be in the temples, such as closer to their correspondinglens holders than the free end of the temples. In another example, thespeakers can be in the region of the temple tips. The speakers can beembedded in the glasses or can be external to the glasses on stubs orextensions. For speakers that are embedded in the glasses, each speakercan have a tube extending towards an ear to guide audio signals. At theend of each tube, there can be an ear bud for inserting into the ear.The tubes can be permanently attached to the glasses, or each can beattachable to the glasses. The tubes or the stubs can also beretractable and extendable, and the position of the tubes or the stubscan be adjustable.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates by way ofexample the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the invention with a speaker in one ofthe temples of the glasses.

FIG. 2 shows a tube extending from a speaker at a temple of the glassesto guide sound to one of the ears of the user according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a retractable tube extending from a speaker at a temple ofthe glasses according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a funnel at the output of a speaker in the glassesaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a male connector at the end of a temple according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a process to make a non-standard female plugcouple to a male connector at a pair of glasses according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates another non-standard connector, applicable to clamponto a temple of a pair of glasses according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 8A-8E shows different embodiments of standard connectors locatedat different positions on the temple of a pair of glasses according tothe invention.

FIGS. 8F-8H are diagrams pertaining to providing a removable electronicdevice with an eyeglass frame according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8I is a diagram of a temple of an eyeglass frame according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows some of the electrical components for a MP3 playeraccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the invention where a user is wearing apair of glasses with electrical components, tethered to a base, which isconnected to a portable device.

FIGS. 11A-11B show different embodiments of the present inventionillustrating some of the electrical components for wireless connectionsto a pair of glasses.

FIG. 12 shows a process for a personalized radio according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a number of attributes of control knobs according todifferent embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows some of the electrical components for capturing imageswith a pair of glasses according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 shows an operation of taking actions based on images capturedwith a pair of glasses with wireless transceiver capability according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 shows an operation to provide messages to a user based on imagescaptured by a pair of glasses according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17A is a chart that depicts examples of sensors in a pair ofglasses according to different embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 17B is a diagram of a temple arrangement according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17C is a diagram of a cover that at least partially covers a templeaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17D is a diagram of a fit-over temple that at least partially fitsover a temple according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment including an eye mask according to theinvention.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment including a night cap according to theinvention.

FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating a temple having a slot for receivinga removable electronic device according to one embodiment of theinvention

FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating the temple having a recessed lowerportion according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams illustrating a pair of glasses having acamera coupled thereto, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of a pair of glasses having a camera according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23A is a diagram of a pair of glasses having a camera according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23B is a diagram of the pair of glasses according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a pair of eyeglasses according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a communication system according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram of a personal call response process accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram of an audio message response process accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 is a flow diagram of a text message response process accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 29 is a flow diagram of an automated call response processaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 30 is a flow diagram of a message presentation process according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 31 is a flow diagram of a reply message process according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 32 illustrates a number of forces activating a switch according toa number of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 33 illustrates a number of mechanical forces activating a switchaccording to a number of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 34 shows a Hall-effect detector at a joint of a pair of glassesaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 35A-35C illustrate different embodiments of a quadrature sensoraccording to the invention.

FIG. 36 shows one embodiment of the invention with a pair of glasseshaving speakers.

FIG. 37 shows a tube extending from a speaker at a temple of the glassesto guide sound to one of the ears of the user according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 38 shows a retractable tube extending from a speaker at one of thetemples of the glasses according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 39 shows a funnel at the output of a speaker in the glassesaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 40A-40B show an embodiment of the invention with a wire connectingspeakers in the glasses.

FIG. 41 shows one embodiment of the invention with a pair of glasseshaving speakers that are wirelessly coupled to a portable device.

FIGS. 42A-42B show different embodiments of the present inventionillustrating some of the electrical components for wireless connectionsto a pair of glasses.

FIG. 43 shows a male stereo connector at the end of a temple accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 44 illustrates a connector applicable to clamp onto a temple of apair of glasses according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 45 shows one embodiment of the invention with a pair of glasseshaving a microphone coupled to the wire connected to a portable device.

FIG. 46 shows different embodiments regarding frequency-dependentamplification of the present invention.

FIG. 47 shows a number of embodiments regarding hearing calibration ofthe present invention.

FIG. 48 shows a number of embodiments regarding power management of thepresent invention.

FIG. 49 shows different embodiments of sources of other audio signalsgenerated by the glasses according to the present invention.

FIG. 50 is a flow diagram of call processing according to one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 51 shows some of the electrical components for an MP3 playeraccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 52 shows one embodiment of the invention that has a card withelectrical components coupled to a pair of glasses through a connectorat a temple of the glasses.

FIG. 53 shows a process for a personalized radio according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 54 shows a number of attributes of control knobs according todifferent embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 55A-55C illustrate different embodiments of power sources for apair of glasses according to the invention.

FIGS. 56A-56B show different embodiments of headset-to-phone cordsaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 57 shows an embodiment of the invention of a cord with a switch forboth a cell phone and a player.

FIG. 58 shows one embodiment of a mono-plugs-to-stereo-plug adapter cordaccording to the invention.

FIG. 59 shows an embodiment of the invention with a speaker at a templetip with an extension for attachment to a tube.

FIG. 60 shows an embodiment of the invention with the temples notextending behind the ears.

FIG. 61 shows an embodiment of the invention with a pair of eyeglassesfunctioning as a headset that has a camera, a microphone and a speaker.

Same numerals in FIGS. 1-61 are assigned to similar elements in all thefigures. Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with referenceto FIGS. 1-61 . However, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect tothese figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extendsbeyond these limited embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A number of embodiments according to the present invention regardingglasses with one or more electrical components attached, partiallyembedded or fully embedded are described. Many of them are applicable todifferent types of glasses, such as sunglasses, auxiliary frames,fit-over glasses, prescription glasses, safety glasses, swim masks, andgoggles, such as ski goggles. In a number of embodiments, the frames ofthe glasses have more surface area than frames with minimal structure.For example, the temple regions of the glasses can have a taperedprofile. They are wider or broader when they are closer to the lensholders. Then they get narrower. In one embodiment, a wider or broadertemple implies that the temple spans across a wider or broader arealongitudinally down from the top of the head of the user. FIG. 1 showsan example of such an embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment 100 of the invention where there is aspeaker 102 at least partially embedded in one of the temples 104 of theglasses 106. The speaker 102 is closer to one end of the temple 104 thanthe other end. The end of the temple that the speaker 102 is closer tois the end that is in the vicinity of the lens holder or the hinge ofthe glasses 106, instead of the end 108 that is free. The speaker can bepartially embedded in the glasses. For example, the mouth of thespeaker, where sometimes there can be small holes on a cover, can beexposed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the speaker 102 outputs audiosignals in the direction towards the user. In another embodiment, thespeaker 102 outputs audio signals in the direction away from the user.For example, the mouth of the speaker 102 can be facing outwards awayfrom the user.

There are different approaches to embed an electrical component into apair of glasses. For example, the glasses can be made of plastic (e.g.,plastic frames). One way to produce such frames is to first assembleelectrical components onto a circuit board. The circuit board can beshaped to fit, for example, the temple of the glasses. The circuit boardis placed into a mold. Then, hot, molten plastic is injected around thecircuit board to form the temple piece of the glasses. To reduce weight,the wall of the glasses can be made relatively thin through injectionmolding techniques.

In another embodiment, the glasses have metallic frames. For example,the frames can be made of Titanium, which is a relatively light metal.Also, Titanium is relatively non-conductive and strong, and is quiteimmune to corrosion. Further, Titanium can be anodized or heat colored.

For glasses with metallic frames, to prevent circuits from being shortedor to reduce leakage current, one embodiment provides an insulatinglayer between the electrical components or circuit board and themetallic frames. One example of an insulting layer is a tape toencapsulate the electrical components. The tape is non-conducting so asto provide insulation and, to a certain degree, can also providemechanical stiffness. One way to make such temples is to have two sheetsof the metal die-stamped to form the two halves, or the two faces of thetemple piece. A circuit board is made to fit into the space between thefaces. Then, two die-cut pieces of insulator material (e.g., dielectrictape) can cover the top and the bottom surfaces of the circuit board.The board is then sandwiched between the faces to form the temple. Inone example, the dielectric tape can be double-sided sticky tape, withone side sticking to the circuit board, and the other side sticking tothe temple. An adhesive can be used to glue the two faces of the templepiece together.

In yet another embodiment, the frames are made of hard rubber. Theframes can be manufactured in an approach similar to injection moldingtechniques, with circuit boards inserted into the mold along with therubber at the time of molding.

Different types of speakers can be used, such as, standard,fixed-magnet/moving coil speakers; speakers with fixed-coil and a steeldiaphragm; piezo-electric speakers; and electrostatic speakers.

In one embodiment, the glasses further include a tube, such as a plastictube, extending from a speaker. The tube serves to guide sound generatedby the speaker to one of the ears of the user. FIG. 2 shows anembodiment where a tube 150 is located on the outside of a temple 152.In another embodiment, the tube can be on the inside of a temple.

In one embodiment, the tube 150 can be rotated, such as from behind thetemple 152 (if the tube is on the inside of the temple) to beingdownward at an angle towards one of the ears of the user, such as theposition shown in FIG. 2 . To increase flexibility, the tube can beattached to a rotating disk 154, which allows rotation about thespeaker.

In another embodiment, the tube is malleable. This allows the tube to beplaced in different positions.

In one embodiment, the length of the tube is adjustable. FIG. 3 showssuch an embodiment 200 of a pair of glasses with a retractable tube 202.In the figure, the tube is shown to be in its extended position.

To further enhance sound coupling, in one approach, there is a plug 156at the end of the tube for inserting into an ear of the user. The plugcan be an ear bud. The plug can provide a cushion, foam rubber or othermaterials. Such materials give comfort and/or enhance sound coupling tothe ear canal.

In another approach, there is a funnel at the output of the speaker.FIG. 4 shows the cross section of such a funnel from a speaker at atemple region of the glasses. As shown in FIG. 4 , the speaker 254 sitson a speaker frame 252, and the speaker 254 is electrically connected toa circuit board 256. As sound is generated from the speaker 254, thesound propagates to a tube 258 through a structure 260 in the shape of afunnel. Such a structure helps guide the sound to the tube (i.e.,improved sound coupling). Also, FIG. 4 shows the tube, which can be thetube 150 shown in FIG. 2 , mounted onto the temple region of the glasseswith a circular lip 262. Such a lip 262 allows the tube 258 to rotaterelative to the glasses. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the speaker254 is fully embedded in the glasses.

As an alternative to or in conjunction with the tube, the glasses caninclude a channel to likewise guide sound generated by the speaker toone of the ears of the user. For example, the channel can be formedwithin a temple. The temple also has an opening to output the soundtowards the user's ear.

FIG. 1 shows one speaker at one of the temples. There can be more thanone speaker at each temple. In one embodiment, there can also be atleast one speaker at each temple. The two speakers can generate stereoeffects.

In another embodiment, the glasses can provide four or more speakers togive a high fidelity sound or a surround sound effect. For example, eachtemple can include one speaker in front of the user's ear, and onespeaker behind the user's ear. The different speakers can generatedifferent portions or sections of the sound. Further, if a base(discussed below) or portable electronic device is coupled to theglasses, the base or portable electronic device can contain anotherspeaker, such as a base or woofer speaker. Such embodiments enable theglasses to provide a personal high-fidelity sound or a surround-soundenvironment.

Electrical signals can be coupled to an electrical component, such as aspeaker, in a pair of glasses through a number of mechanisms. In oneembodiment, there is an electrical connector at least partially embeddedin the glasses. In other words, at least a portion of the connector isinside the glasses. The connector is electrically coupled to the speaker(or other electrical component) by, for example, a conductor. Theconductor can be on a printed-circuit board. In one embodiment, theconductor is also embedded in the glasses.

Regarding connectors, FIG. 5 shows one embodiment where the connector isnot a standard connector. The end 108 of the temple 104 of the glasses106 shown in FIG. 1 has a similar connector. In FIG. 5 , the connectoris a male plug or a male connector 300 at the end of a temple 302 of apair of glasses. The connector 300 is connected to the speaker through,for example, one or more wires embedded in the temple. Electricalsignals external to the glasses can then be coupled to the speaker (orother electrical component) through the plug.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the free end of the temple 302 can have arelatively flat cross section. There can be one or moreelectrically-conductive contacts, such as 304 and 306, on one or both ofthe flat surfaces of the temple. In FIG. 5 , four contacts are shown onone surface of the temple. The contacts, 304 and 306, can be metal padsor bumps.

In one embodiment, a non-standard connector can be made usingprinted-circuit board technologies. First, a printed-circuit board withprinted conductors connected to metal contact bumps is produced. Thenplastic is overmolded around the printed-circuit board, with the molddesigned to shut off around the bumps or pads. The overmolded plasticcan serve as the temple, and the pads would be left exposed. Thus,portions of the printed circuit board are covered by plastic, and areaswith the bumps or pads are exposed for connection. These pads serve asthe connectors for the glasses.

Regarding printed-circuit boards, there can be one or more circuitboards in the glasses. For example, there can be a circuit board in oneof the temples of the glasses. Or, the circuits can be divided into twocircuit boards, one in each temple of the glasses. The circuit boardscan carry additional electrical components to be described below.

In one embodiment, the circuit boards are rigid. In another embodiment,the circuit boards are made of flexible materials, such as a polyimidesheet, like Kapton®. In one embodiment, the circuit board is configuredor adapts to the shape of the temple in which it resides.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the end of the temple 302 serves as a maleconnector (plug) 300. The non-standard male connector 300 can bereceived by a non-standard female connector (plug) 310. Typically, thefemale connector 310 makes electrical and physical connection throughgrabbing around the male plug. The female connector 310 can be connectedto a cable 312.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a process to make the non-standard female plug310. First, an electrical wire 354 is attached to a small sheet or pieceof metal 356. FIG. 6A shows a number of such wires, with a number of themetal sheets or pieces crimped to a hard PVC 358. The figure shows theback side of the crimped board with the wires and with a number ofholes, such as 360. Then the frame is overmolded with a soft PVC. FIG.6B shows a cross section of the overmolded frame 362 with the soft PVC.As shown in the figure, a number of the metal sheets, such as 364 and366, are exposed. They are the metal contacts in the female connector310. Instead of the above approach, alternatively, a wire can beattached to a sheet of metal by putting the wire between the metal andthe plastic as the metal is crimped onto a plastic. When the temple(i.e., male connector 300) is inserted into the female plug, the softPVC material stretches slightly, providing a spring-force to keep thecontacts connected.

The hard PVC can have a hardness of over 80 durometer, while the softPVC can have a hardness of less than 50 durometer. The hard PVC can bereplaced by other materials, such as Polypropylene or cloth. The softPVC can be replaced by Silicone, or a thermo-plastic elastomer, such asKraton®.

Referring to both FIG. 5 and FIG. 6B, when the male connector 300 isinserted into the slot 314 of the female connector 310, the metal pads,304 and 306, will get in contact, or mate, with the metal sheets, 364and 366.

In one embodiment, as long as the male connector 300 is pushed all theway into the female connector 310, the pads are aligned correctly to thesheets for electrical connections. In another embodiment, there is analignment mechanism to guide the position of the temple relative to thefemale connector so as to ensure the conductive sheets to be in contactwith the conductive pads. For example, there can be a registrationlocation to indicate that the male connector is at the appropriateposition relative to the female connector. There can be an alignmentextension, which can be a partial sphere, close to the end of the temple302, such as between the pads 304 and 306, at 316. And, there can be acorresponding alignment notch at the female connector 310. When theextension is received or caught by the notch, the male connector 300 isin the appropriate position relative to the female connector 310. Inother words, the alignment is proper, and the pads and the sheets are incontact.

FIG. 5 shows the non-standard male connector 300 at one end of a templeof a pair of glasses. In yet another embodiment, a non-standardconnector can be at another location. FIG. 7 shows another example of anon-standard connector 400. The connector 400 includes one or moreconductive pads, 412 and 414, on the top side of a temple 402. Theconnector 400 is designed to receive another connector 406 that grabsonto the side of the temple 402. There can be an indentation 404 on thetemple 402 to receive the other connector 406. The other connector 406can include a top 420 and a bottom 416 clip. There are a number ofconductive pads or sheets inside the other connector 406. Theindentation 404 provides an alignment to indicate where the top clip 420of the other connector 406 should grab onto the temple 402 forconnection. At that position, the conductive pads at the temple will bein contact with the conductive pads or sheets at the other connector406. There can also be another indentation 418 at the temple 402 toreceive the bottom clip 416. This can further enhance the alignmentprocess and to secure the connection.

In FIG. 7 , the other connector 406 is coupled to one end of a cord anda plug 408, which can be inserted into a portable device 410, can beconnected to another end of the cord. The portable device, for example,can be a cell phone. This type of non-standard clip-type connector couldbe easily applied to the temple with one hand, for example, while theuser is driving a car.

A number of non-standard connectors have been described. In anotherembodiment, the contacts are based on standard connectors, which can beoff-the-shelf connectors. FIGS. 8A-8E show a number of examples of suchconnectors.

In one embodiment, the standard connector is a standard cylindrical pluglocated at the end of a temple. From a different perspective, the templemolds around the end of the plug. FIG. 8A shows one such embodiment. Theplug 450 can be a standard audio connector or a 3-wire or three terminalplug, such as a 3.5 mm male stereo mini-phone plug. The 3 wires for sucha plug are typically one for ground, the other two applicable for twosignals, such as for creating stereo effects. FIG. 8A also shows thethree wires, 452, 454 and 456, inside the temple, extended from the plug450. These wires are for connection to electrical components of theglasses.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical plug 450 shown in FIG. 8A can beprotected, encapsulated or shrouded. Or, at least a portion of the plugis protected, encapsulated or shrouded. Such protection can, forexample, be for aesthetic reasons, or to prevent the plug fromscratching the face of the user when the user is putting on the pair ofglasses. In FIG. 8A, the plug 450 is partially embedded in a temple.

Instead of a three terminal plug, other types of standard cylindricalplugs applicable to different embodiments of the present inventioninclude a serial connector with 3 pins, typically one for ground, onefor transmitting data (Tx) and the third for receiving data (Rx); or (b)a 2-wire connector, one served as ground, the other for carrying, suchas power and modulated signals.

In yet another embodiment, instead of a cylindrical plug, the standardconnector at the end of a temple of a pair of glasses is a USB or aFIREWIRE connector.

A number of embodiments have been described where the standardconnector(s) at the glasses are male connectors. In yet anotherembodiment, the standard connector(s) in the glasses are femaleconnectors. For example, there can be a 3.5 mm female stereo mini-phoneplug at the end of a temple of a pair of glasses. At least a portion ofthe female connector can be protected, encapsulated or shrouded. Forexample, the female connector can be recessed within the end of atemple.

FIGS. 8B-8E show different examples of standard connectors located orpartially embedded not at the end of a temple of a pair of glasses, but,for example, on the side of the temple, such as on the inside surface orthe outside surface of a temple. FIG. 8B shows a 0.10″ header plug 460,commonly known as a MOLEX connector, on such a surface. FIG. 8C shows afemale mini-phone plug 465 on such a surface. FIG. 8D shows a cardconnector 470 to receive a card 472, such as a removable media card(e.g., memory card). There can be a cover 474 to secure and/or protectthe media card 472 in place after it is inserted into the card connector470. FIG. 8E shows a female USB connector 480 on the inside surface of atemple 482 to receive a male USB connector 484.

FIGS. 8F-8H are diagrams pertaining to providing a removable electronicdevice with an eyeglass frame according to one embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 8F illustrates a temple 490 that includes a connector492. The connector 492 includes an opening 494. A removable electronicdevice can be coupled to the temple 490 using the connector 492. Moreparticularly, FIG. 8G illustrates a removable electronic device 496 thatincludes an electronic device housing 498 and a connector 499. As anexample, the removable electronic device 496 can be a memory storagedevice, sometimes referred to as a memory card. FIG. 8H illustrates theremovable electronic device 496 coupled to the temple 490. The removableelectronic device 496 is coupled to one side of the temple 490, suchside can be either an inside or outside surface of the eyeglass frame.When the removable electronic device 496 is coupled to the temple 490,the connector 499 of the removable electronic device 496 is insertedinto the opening 494 of the connector 492. Physical forces between theconnector 499 and the connector 492 operate to secure the removableelectronic device 496 to the temple 490, yet permit the removableelectronic device 496 to be removable therefrom.

In one embodiment, the connector 492 is not electrically connected toany electronic circuitry within the temple 490 or other parts of theeyeglass frame. In other words, the connector 492 provides a convenientmeans by which removable electronic devices can be coupled to theeyeglass frame. In another embodiment, the connector 492 can be coupledto electrical circuitry within the temple 490 or elsewhere within theeyeglass frame. Such an embodiment allows the electronic componentswithin the removable electronic device 496 to be utilized with theelectrical circuitry within the temple 490 or elsewhere within theeyeglass frame. For example, the removable electronic device 496 canprovide data storage and/or other software modules to be utilized by orto utilize the other electrical circuitry within the temple 490 orelsewhere within the eyeglass frame. In any case, by attaching theremovable electronic device 496 to the temple 490 (and thus the eyeglassframe), the removable electronic device 496 is able to be convenientlycarried by the user of the eyeglass frame. In one implementation, theeyeglass frame, which includes the connector 492, becomes a dockingstation for the removable electronic device 496. As such, a variety ofdifferent removable electronic devices can be interconnected with theeyeglass frame, as desired. For example, the eyeglass frame can thussupport different function or operations depending on the removableelectronic device that is attached. For example, the eyeglass framemight operate as a camera, data storage device, FM radio, MP3 player,mobile telephone, pedometer, hearing enhancer, sun sensor, time piece,etc.

In one embodiment, the removable electronic device 496 can align itselfwith the orientation of the temple 490, such as shown in FIG. 8H. InFIG. 8G, the electronic device housing 498 can be said to have anelongated housing. The configuration (e.g., shape) and/or color of theremovable electronic device 496 can also be designed to conform orcomplement the design of the temple 490. In one embodiment, the temple490 might also have a recessed region to allow the portable electronicdevice to be less visually perceptible when attached to the temple 490or to provide a more consistent contour of the temple 490.

In one embodiment, the connector 499 is a male connector, and theconnector 492 is a female connector or a similarly sized structure. Inone implementation the connector 499 is a peripheral bus connector, suchas a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. In such cases, the connector492 can also be a peripheral bus connector (either electricallyfunctional or non-functional as noted above).

Although the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8F-8H utilize connectors,namely, electrical connectors, the removable electronic device 496 couldbe attached to the temple in other ways. For example, other means toprovide physical forces to hold the removable electronic device 496 inplace can be used.

FIG. 8I is a diagram of a temple of an eyeglass frame according toanother embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the temple 490′includes an opening 491 through which a cable 493 extends outward. Thecable 493 has an electrical connector 495 connected at its end. Theelectrical connector 495 is electrically connected to electricalcircuits within the temple 490′ or elsewhere within the eyeglass framesuch as by way of one or more wires contained within the cable 493. Inone implementation, the length of the cable 493 is about one to fourinches. The temple 490′ shown in FIG. 8I also includes a receptacle 497.The receptacle 497 is affixed to or integral with the temple 490 toreceive the electrical connector 495. Typically, the receptacle 497provides a holding mechanism for the electrical connector 495 when notbeen utilized. When the electrical connector 495 is being utilized, theelectrical connector 495 is removed from the receptacle 497 and coupledto a corresponding counterpart connector of another electrical device.The cord 493 can provide ease-of-use so that the electrical connector495 can be maneuvered to couple to the counterpart connector. In oneembodiment, the temple 490′ can provide a recess for receiving theentire cable 493, with the outer surface of the receptacle 497 beingsubstantially flush to the surface of the temple 490. So when theconnector 495 is not in use, the connector 495 can be in the receptacle497, with the cable 493 in the recess. In one embodiment, when the cable493 is in the recess and the connector 495 inside the receptacle 497,the cable 493 has substantially no slack. Also, in another embodiment,the cable 493 can be retractable into the opening 491. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 8I, the electrical connector 495 is a male connector, andthe receptacle 497 is a female connector or a similarly sized structure.

A number of standard and non-standard connectors have been described.Other types of connectors can also be used. In one embodiment, there isa connector adapter, which serves to transform such other type ofconnectors to a different interface. For example, an adapter can be acord with one type of connector at one end and a different type ofconnector at the other end.

In one or more of the above embodiments, the glasses can access audiosignals from another device through a connector at the glasses. Theanother device can be a multimedia asset players or a radio.

In one embodiment of the invention, the glasses have a storage medium(i.e., memory). The memory can be on a printed-circuit board and, forexample, store 256 MBs or more. The memory can be a built-in orremovable flash memory. The memory can be coupled to a device externalto the glasses through one or more connectors at the glasses. As anexample, a 256 MB flash memory is in one of the temples of a pair ofglasses, and there is a USB connector at the free end of that temple tocouple to an external device.

With the embedded storage medium, the glasses can upload information inthe memory to or download information into the memory from an externaldevice, such as a computer. A user can plug the glasses into thecomputer through a connector, either directly, or indirectly, with, forexample, an intermediate wire in between. The user can store files inthe glasses. Such an embodiment should reduce the chances of the userlosing the files because the user has to lose the glasses as well.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a pair of glasses includes amultimedia asset player, such as a MP3 player. FIG. 9 shows some of theelectrical components for a MP3 player 500 according to an embodiment ofthe invention. The player 500 includes a speaker 502 and a data bus 512,which facilitates data transfer among, for example, a processor 506, astorage device 510, and a coder/decoder (CODEC) 504. The processor 506,which can be a microprocessor or controller, controls the operation ofthe player 500. The storage device 510 stores the multimedia assets,such as MP3 files, or other types of media data that are appropriatelyformatted. In one example, the MP3 files are digitally encoded songs orother types of audio signals. The storage device 510 can include anumber of separate storage elements. For example, the device 510 can bea flash memory device, or a minidisk device, and a cache, which canimprove the access time and reduce power consumption of the storagedevice. The storage device 510 typically also includes a Read-OnlyMemory (ROM), which stores programs, utilities or processes to beexecuted in a non-volatile manner. The player 500 can also include aRAM, such as for the cache.

Once a media asset, such as a song, is selected to be played, theprocessor 506 would supply the asset to the CODEC 504, whichdecompresses the asset and produces analog output signals for thespeaker 502. In one embodiment, the bus 512 is also coupled to aninput/output device 508, which would allow a user to upload songs in theglasses to an external instrument, such as a computer, or download songsfrom the instrument to the glasses.

There are different approaches to select a song. In one embodiment, thesongs or the media assets can be categorized in the MP3 player, and thecategorization can be hierarchical, with multiple levels in thehierarchy. To illustrate, assume that there are three levels. The toplevel can be the name of the singer; the second level can be the timeperiod when the asset was produced, and the third level can be the namesof the songs. The entries, such as the name of the singer, can beabbreviated. There can be a small display and a control knob to allow auser to scroll down entries in a level. By pushing the knob, the userselects an entry, which can lead the user to a lower level. There can bean entry for moving up a level also. In another embodiment, the displayis a touch-screen display, allowing entries to be entered directly onthe display. In yet another embodiment, entries can be selected based onvoice recognition.

A number of embodiments have been described with the glasses having aconnector. In one embodiment, the glasses can have more than oneconnector. For example, a pair of glasses with two connectors also has aspeaker. One connector is, for example, at a broad side of a temple, asin FIG. 8D. The connector can be for coupling to multimedia assets of aMP3 player. Another connector is, for example, at the end of a temple,as in FIG. 8A. That connector can couple power to the glasses. Thespeaker can play the multimedia assets accessed from one connector,based on power from another connector.

As described, power (e.g., external power source) can be coupled to theglasses through a connector. In one embodiment, the power source isembedded inside or inserted into the glasses. Different types of powersources are applicable. For example, the power source can be a battery,a fuel cell, a solar cell, or a re-chargeable battery. The rechargeablebattery can be charged through a connector at the glasses.

In an earlier application, namely, U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/509,631, filed Oct. 9, 2003, and entitled “TETHERED ELECTRICALCOMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES,” which has been incorporated herein byreference, there can be a base connected to the glasses through a cord.The cord can be just a piece of flexible conductor encapsulated by aflexible insulator. Typically, a cord includes a number of electricalwires or conductors. There can be one or more electrical components inthe base, and there can also be one or more electrical components in thecord. The different types of connectors previously described can belocated in the base. In one embodiment, a power source is an electricalcomponent in the base tethered to a pair of glasses. In anotherembodiment, the glasses are tethered to a base that has a connector. Theconnector is connected to and draws power from an external electronicdevice. In this embodiment, electrical components in the glasses drawpower from the external electronic devices.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment where a user 550 is wearing a pair ofglasses 552, which include electrical components. There are alsotethered electrical components in a base 554, which is connected to theglasses 552 through a cord 556. In addition, there is a wire 558connected to a connector at the base 554 to a portable electronic device560. The portable device 560 can be (a) a multimedia device, such as aMP3 player/recorder or a minidisk players, (b) a wireless communicationdevice, such as a cell phone, or (c) a personal digital assistant, orother types of portable devices with computing and/or entertainingand/or communication capabilities.

Note that instead of connecting to the portable electronic device 560through the base 554, in another embodiment, the glasses 552 directlyconnect to the portable device 560 through a cord.

In one embodiment, there is an attachment device 562, such as a pin orclip. The attachment device attaches at least a part of the glasses tothe user's clothing. The attachment device 562 can serve to attach thecord 556 and/or the wire 558 and/or the base 554 to the user's clothing.The attachment can also be through other mechanisms, such as Velcro.

In a number of embodiments, the speaker described is assumed to emitaudio signals. In one embodiment, the speaker emits ultrasonic signals.The glasses can be used, for example, as an insect repellant bytransmitting ultrasound to repel insects, such as mosquitoes. In thisembodiment, the one or more speakers broadcast the ultrasonic signalsaway from the user. In other words, the speakers face outwards, notinwards towards the user. In this embodiment, the glasses, which caninclude a base, also has a power source to provide power to the speaker.There can also be a control knob to turn the one or more speakers on/offon the glasses. There will be additional discussions on the control knobbelow.

In another embodiment, the glasses generating ultrasonic signals can beused to produce audio signals that are more directional. For example,two ultrasonic signals are generated by a speaker in the glasses, withtheir difference frequencies being the audio signals. The audio signalsgenerated based on mixing the two ultrasonic signals can be much moredirectional than audio signals directly generated from the speaker.

Referring back to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the glasses include amicrophone 110. The microphone 110 can be at the end of a temple 104close to a lens holder 112. Or, the microphone 110 can be in the lensholder 112, located directly adjacent to the temple 104. In yet anotherembodiment, there can be a small protrusion extending down from thetemple to house the microphone.

With glasses having a microphone, one can use the glasses to recordvoices into, for example, a storage medium. The storage medium can be inthe glasses, or can be in a base or a portable device attached to theglasses.

Different types of microphones can be used. For example, they can beelectret microphones, crystal microphones, resistance microphones,piezoelectric microphones or moving-coil microphones.

In one embodiment, the glasses with a microphone also include a speakerthat can generate directional sound. A user can speak into themicrophone and his message can be transmitted from the glasses in a moredirectional manner.

In another embodiment, the glasses also include a notificationelectrical component to provide a notification to the user wearing theglasses. The notification can be to notify, alert or display informationto the user. There can be a display located at the inside 114 of thelens holder, or at the vicinity of the junction 116 or the hinge of alens holder and its corresponding temple facing the user. Or, there canbe a display at the inside surface of a temple, or at other locations onthe glasses. The display can be one or more light emitting diodes. Toalert the user, one or more diodes can blink. The blinking can be of aspecific sequence. Instead of diodes, the display can be a liquidcrystal display. The display can provide indications or information tothe user. For example, a number or a variable-height bar can be shown.Other than visual indications, the notification or alert can be audio,like a beeper.

In one embodiment, the notification electrical component is forselecting a multimedia asset in a multimedia asset player in a pair ofglasses for the multimedia to play. The multimedia asset player can be aMP3 player.

A number of embodiments of the present invention have been describedwhere electrical signals are transmitted to or from a pair of glassesthrough a physical connection. In one embodiment, electrical signals arewirelessly coupled to a pair of glasses. The coupling can be short rangeor long range. The coupling can be directly to the glasses, or to a baseconnected to a pair of glasses. The glasses with wireless couplingcapabilities can be used to couple to a Bluetooth network, the Internet,a WiFi network, a WiMax network, a cell-phone network or other types ofnetworks. The coupling can also be through a point-to-point link, suchas an infrared link. In different embodiments, the glasses providewireless communication capability for its user. In this regard, theglasses contain wireless communications circuitry that enables theeyeglasses to communicate in a wireless manner, to, for example, awireless communication device (e.g. mobile telephone), a portablecomputing device (e.g. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), handheldcomputer or wearable computer), or an entertainment device (e.g., stereosystem, television, media player (portable or stationary)).

FIGS. 11A-11B show examples of some of the electrical components in ortethered to a pair of glasses for wireless connections, according toembodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 11A, a high frequency orRF antenna 602 wirelessly captures high frequency or RF signals for RFtransceiver circuits 604. If the transceiver circuits are for aconventional superheterodyne system, the transceiver circuits 604 mixthe RF signals down to IF signals. Then the IF signals are processed bybaseband circuits. Digital outputs from the baseband circuits arecoupled to a processor 608 for analysis and synthesis.

Outputs from the processor 608 are fed to a D-to-A converter 610 togenerate audio signals for a speaker 612. Similarly, audio analogsignals from a microphone 614 can be fed to an A-to-D converter 616 togenerate digital low frequency signals for the processor 608 and then tothe RF transceiver circuits 604. The low frequency signals areup-converted by the RF transceiver circuits 604 and wirelesslytransmitted by the antenna 602.

In another embodiment, digital conversion is moved closer to theantenna. For example, instead of mixing RF into IF signals, the RFtransceiver circuits 604 directly perform digital conversion from the RFsignals.

Typically, high frequency filters are used at the front end of the RFtransceiver circuits 604 for the RF signals. In one embodiment, to savespace, FBAR (film bulk acoustic resonator) duplexer is employed. A setof piezoelectric filters can be used to separate incoming and outgoingsignals. For cell phone operation, such filters can enable a user tohear and speak simultaneously. A number of these electronic devices canbe on a circuit board in the glasses. Or, some of the devices are in theglasses, while other in the base tethered to the glasses.

FIG. 11B shows another example of some of the electrical components inor tethered to a pair of glasses for wireless connections according tothe present invention. In this embodiment, there does not need to havedigital data. A speaker 620 and a microphone 622 are connected to ananalog interface circuit 624, which is coupled to a RF transceivercircuit 626 and an antenna 628. For the speaker application, thetransceiver circuit 626 mixes the RF signals down into IF signals, whichare converted by the analog interface circuit 624 into analog signalsfor the speaker 620. Similarly, for the microphone application, itsanalog signals are converted into the IF signals by the analog interfacecircuit 624 to be up converted by the transceiver circuit 626 into RFsignals for the antenna 628. These types of circuitry are suitable for,such as, simple radios, analog cell phones, CB radios, walkee-talkees,police radios or intercom systems.

In one embodiment, most of the electrical components are not in theglasses. The pair of glasses includes an antenna to capture the wirelesssignals, and a connector. The wireless signals captured are transmittedthrough the connector to electrical circuits external to the glasses.

A number of processors have been described. The processors can usedifferent types of operating systems. In one embodiment, SymbianOperating Systems are used. In another embodiment, operating systems,such as TinyOS, are used. The operating system could be programmed inC++ and then compiled into machine codes.

For privacy protection, signals can be encrypted before transmission.Encryption can take significant computation power, and may generate afair amount of heat. In one embodiment, encryption capabilities arelocated in a base tethered to the glasses. There can be a fan inside thebase. The fan can be turned on during encryption. In another embodiment,the fan is activated during other high capacity uses for heatdissipation purposes.

In yet another embodiment, there is a fan in the glasses. The fan islocated at a temple of the glasses, in the region close to its lensholder. The fan is used to cool the wearer of the glasses.

In one embodiment, a pair of glasses has access to voice recognitionsoftware. The software can be embedded in (a) the glasses, (b) a basetethered to the glasses, (c) a portable device wired or wirelesslycoupled to the glasses or to the base, or (d) a computing system wiredor wirelessly coupled to the glasses. Or, the software or firmware canbe in more than one of the above devices.

Glasses that can couple to signals wirelessly can be used in differentapplications. For example, the glasses can be a cell phone wireless headset, such as a Bluetooth cordless headset. Such short-distance wirelesstechnologies allow the headset to connect to the user's cell phonewithout a wire. This would allow the user to drive, eat or perform otherfunctions without getting tangled in a pesky wire.

In one embodiment, the cell phone is a VOIP (voice over Internetprotocol) phone.

In one embodiment, for the glasses operating as a cell phone head set,the head set includes active noise cancellation mechanism. For example,the glasses include two microphones. One microphone is for capturing thevoice of the user. But the microphone captures ambient noise also. Itcan be embedded in a protrusion extending from the end of the templeclose to a lens holder, towards the mouth of the user, as the microphone110 in FIG. 1 . Another microphone can be located at the top of one ofthe lens holders pointing away from the mouth of the user. Thismicrophone is for capturing ambient noise. As a first orderapproximation, outputs from the two microphones could be subtracted fromeach other to provide voice signals with noise reduced.

In yet another embodiment, the glasses with wireless couplingcapabilities also have a multimedia asset player, such as a MP3 player.The glasses can be used to receive music directly in digital formatover, for example, a data-capable network of a mobile operator. Themusic can be received, for example, at a speed of 16 Kbits per second,providing sound quality close to compact disc. If the music istransmitted in a compressed manner, such as in a MP3 format, then themusic data can be received at a much lower speed. In one embodiment, theglasses also have a microphone and can serve as a cellular phone or awireless headset of a cellular phone.

In yet another embodiment, the glasses can serve as a radio, againthrough electrical components in or tethered to the glasses. In thisembodiment, the glasses can include a tuner with one or more controlknobs. The knobs can be used to select channels and to set the volume.

In one embodiment, a pair of glasses allows personalization by includinga preference indicator. The indicator allows a user to provide hispreference, such as on whatever is being output by the glasses. In oneexample, the glasses also has a radio having a speaker and withelectrical components for wireless connection. In this example, theindicator can be used by the user to provide his preference regardingwhatever is being played by the radio at that time. This preference canbe wirelessly transmitted from the glasses to a third party. Toillustrate, when the user is listening to a piece of music, the user canindicate he likes the piece of music by pressing a control knob on theglasses. This piece of preference information is then transmitted andreceived by a service provider, which is then informed of the user'spreference. Instead of a control knob, in another embodiment, thepreference indicator is a system with a microphone and voice recognitionsoftware. The user can indicate his preference vocally.

In another example regarding the personalization process, the glassescan serve as a multimedia asset player, such as a MP3 player. The songthat the user has shown preference can be stored in a storage device,which can be in the glasses.

FIG. 12 shows a process 650 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention for a personalized radio.

Initially, a pair of glasses according to the present invention receives652 a piece of music from a radio station. That piece of music is stored654 in a buffer or a temporary storage area. This temporary storage areacan be in the glasses or tethered to the glasses. The piece of music isalso sent 656 to a speaker in the glasses.

Assume that the user likes the music. Based on the preference indicator,the user shows his preference. After the glasses receive 658 anindication of the user's preference, the glasses determine 660 the songcorresponding to the indication. That piece of music can then be moved662 from the buffer to a permanent storage area, such as into a flashmemory. This would then allow the user to subsequently access the pieceof music.

There are different ways to determine 660 the song or the content beingplayed by the radio corresponding to the indication. For example, onerule is that when the user pushes the preference button or voices hispreference, the song (or media asset or media file) that is being playedis the one the user likes. Since the operating system knows what song isbeing played at what time, based on the rule, the song of preference isdetermined. Another rule is that when the user shows his preference, andthere is no song being played at that instance, the song immediatelypreceding the break is the song of preference.

In another embodiment, the glasses can get 664 an identification for thesong of preference. For example, the glasses can ask the user to providean identification for the piece of music. This identification can be thetype of music, the singer, the name of the music or otheridentification. In another embodiment, there can be meta data embedded,such as in the beginning part of the music (or media asset). Having suchmeta data embedded is not uncommon for music in digital format. The metadata can include identifications for the music. The glasses can get 664such identification. Based on the identification, the song iscategorized 666 accordingly, such as grouped with other songs having thesame identification. Such categorization process would enhance the easeof accessing the song by the user at a later time.

A number of control knobs have been described. FIG. 13 shows a number ofattributes 700 regarding control knobs according to the presentinvention. The knobs can be of different physical structure 702. Forexample, a control knob can be a roller, a switch or a push-button. Acontrol knob serving as an up/down controller can use two buttons, or aroller.

A control knob can be more intelligent 704. For example, a push-buttoncontrol knob can serve different purposes depending on the duration theknob is being pushed. If a user pushes it for more than three seconds,the knob serves as an on-off toggle switch. In another example, a knobcan serve multiple purposes, and the specific purpose depends on thenumber of times the knob is pushed.

A knob can also be programmed. A user can connect the glasses to acomputer and program the knob accordingly. For example, one can programa knob such that if the knob is pushed more than three seconds, the knobwould serve as an on/off switch for the glasses. As another example, aknob can provide reset to delete certain information previously capturedby a process and to allow re-starting the process.

The location 706 of a control knob can vary for different applications.A control knob can be located on the glasses. A control knob can be onthe top, the side or the bottom of the temple. A control knob can belocated at the inside of a temple facing the user. Assume that there area number of control knobs and all of them are on the edges of a temple,except one. By being at a position different from other control knobs,this knob can serve a specific purpose. For example, it can be an on/offcontrol knob. In yet another embodiment, a control knob can be locatedin a base tethered to the glasses.

The number 708 of control knobs can vary depending on operations. Forexample, there is an on/off control knob and a volume up/down controlknob. If the glasses are used for cell phone headset application, in oneembodiment, there is also an answer/hang-up control knob. If the glassesserve as a radio, in one embodiment, there is also a tuning controlknob, which can be two push buttons. If the glasses serve as a CDplayer, in one embodiment, there is a play control knob, a stop controlknob, and a skip forward/backward control knob. If the glasses serve asa multimedia asset player, such as a MP3 player, in one embodiment,there is a save-this-song control knob, a skip-forward/backward-songcontrol knob and a select-song-to-play control knob.

A number of embodiments of the present invention have been describedregarding audio signals. In one embodiment, the glasses further serve asa camera.

FIG. 14 shows one embodiment of electrical components in a pair ofglasses with image capturing capabilities. A processor 752 is coupled toa CCD interface chip 754 and then to a CCD chip 756. Images focused by alens 758 are captured and collected by the CCD chip. In anotherembodiment, there is also be a flash controller 760 connected to theprocessor 752 to control a flash 762.

In one embodiment, a number of pixels of the CCD chip 756 are used aslight sensors. The pixels can be used to adjust the sensitivity of theCCD chip 756 based on the amount of ambient light. For example, if theoutside environment is dim, it would take a longer period of time tocollect enough charges by the CCD chip 756 to re-create the image. Thisimplies that the integration time of the CCD chip 756 should increase.

In yet another embodiment, the camera can pertain to a video camera. Thecapacity of the memory 753 increases so as to store the video images.

In one embodiment, the glasses do not offer adjustment on the imagedistance. The CCD chip 756 can be located, for example, at the focalpoint of the lens 758. In another embodiment, there is an image distancecontrol knob. For example, a mechanical lever can be pre-programmed orpre-set to move the lens to one or more different positions. Oneposition can be for close-up shots, such as objects from 2 to 4 ft, andanother for scenic or vista images, such as objects greater than 6 ft.

Depending on the embodiment, electrical components of a camera can be ina pair of glasses, and/or a base tethered to the glasses, and/or aportable device tethered to the glasses or to the base. For example, thememory 753 can be in the base tethered to the glasses.

The location of the lens 758 can vary depending on the embodiment. Inone embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 , one location is at the bridge ofthe glasses, with the lens of the camera facing forward. In thissituation, what the user sees is substantially what the captured imagewould be. In other words, in a general sense, what the user sees is whatthe user gets. With such an embodiment, it is relatively easy for a userto take pictures, hands-free. In another embodiment, another locationfor the lens 758 are at a side portion adjacent to a lens holder, beforethe joint of the corresponding temple, such as at 116 in FIG. 1 . Again,the lens of the camera faces forward. Some of the electrical componentsof the camera can be in that location, and other components in thetemple 104. These components are electrically connected through one ofthe joints, such as with a flexible pc board. In yet another embodiment,the lens 758 can face sideways and outwards in a temple of a pair ofglasses, towards the left or right side of the user.

Regarding storing the images, in one embodiment, the images are storedlocally. One approach to determine which image to store is thefirst-in-first-out approach. Once the camera is turned on, the cameratakes pictures continually in an automatic mode, such as once every fewseconds. When the memory becomes full or under other pre-set orpre-programmed condition, the first picture stored will be deleted whenthe next picture comes in. In another embodiment, the digital content inone picture is compared to the digital content in, for example, thefifth picture further down. If the difference between the two is notmore than a pre-set threshold, the four pictures in between will bedeleted. One approach to determine the difference is by comparing thetotal charges collected by the CCD chip for the two images. If the twosets of charges do not differ by more than a certain threshold, theimages in between would be deleted.

The images captured can also be stored at a remote site. For example,the glasses can upload the images to a computer, wirelessly or through awired connection from a connector at the glasses.

FIG. 15 shows an operation 800 of taking certain actions based on imagescaptured by a pair of glasses with a wireless transceiver, according toone embodiment of the invention. This operation can be used by a policeofficer on patrol. Before the officer gets out of his patrol vehicle toconfront a suspect, the officer can inform the station. At that point,the camera is turned on 802.

There can be different approaches to turn on the camera. In oneembodiment, an operator at the station can remind the officer to turn onthe camera. Or, the operator can remotely turn on the camera. In yetanother embodiment, the camera can be automatically turned on undercertain condition. One such condition is that if the camera is out ofthe patrol vehicle, the camera is automatically turned on. With theglasses having the capability to wirelessly communicate with the patrolvehicle, one method to detect if the glasses are out of the patrolvehicle is based on the wireless signal strength of the glasses. Thepatrol vehicle can detect the signal strength of the wireless signals,which depends on the distance between glasses and the vehicle. Athreshold can be set. If the signal strength is below the presetthreshold, the glasses would be assumed to be out of the car, and thecamera would be automatically turned on.

After the camera is turned on 802, the glasses start to continually take804 pictures, such as once every few seconds. The pictures taken areautomatically transmitted back 806 to the patrol vehicle in a wirelessmanner. In this situation, the patrol vehicle serves as a hub, whichstores the pictures. Then, the hub re-transmits 808 the pictures back tothe station. Note that the pictures can be compressed by standardalgorithms before they are transmitted. This compression mechanism canbe performed by a computer in the patrol vehicle. When the station getsthe pictures, they are decompressed before being viewed, such as by theoperator. The pictures enable the operator at the station to see whatthe officer is confronting. This effectively allows the operator at thestation to perform real-time monitoring of or for the officer. If it isa high risk situation, the operator can quickly react 810, such as bydispatching additional support for the officer. In one embodiment, theglasses can include not only a camera but also a microphone for audiopickup, such as sounds from the officer, suspect, witness orenvironmental sounds (such as door opening, gun shot, etc.).

Regarding ownership of the glasses, the user can own the glasses. In oneembodiment, the user leases the glasses from a provider. For example,the user leases a ski goggle with a camera. After the user turns on thecamera, as the user skis, the goggle automatically takes pictures.Later, the user can return the goggle to the provider or a kiosk, wherethe pictures can be retrieved and/or stored. Alternatively, the gogglecan include a wireless transceiver and the images could be uploadedcontinually or automatically to the provider or the kiosk via a wirelessnetwork. The provider or the kiosk can transmit the images to a website,such as a website associated with the user. In another embodiment, theuser picks up hardcopies of the images, e.g., a CD with the images or aDVD with the video, from the provider or the kiosk.

In one embodiment, the glasses allow the user to enter hisidentification. This can be done, for example, through a control knob atthe glasses. Such identification is then linked to the images. Based onthe identification, the user can return to the provider or kiosk at asubsequent time to pick up the images previously left behind.

In yet another embodiment, the pair of glasses with a camera also has aspeaker and a wireless transceiver. It can be used to remotely controlor direct the user wearing the glasses. FIG. 16 shows one such operation850 according to one embodiment.

To illustrate the operation 850, assume that the user is a paramedichelping a patient. The glasses continually take pictures 852 of objectsdirectly in front of the paramedic, such as images around four feet awayfrom the eyes of the paramedic. The pictures are wirelessly transmitted854 to a remote site, such as a hospital, to be viewed by a doctor.Again, this transmission can be a two-step process. For example,pictures can be transmitted to the paramedic's ambulance, which can thenre-transmit to the remote site. The first transmission from the glassesto the ambulance can be through a low-power, short-range, broadband,wireless transmission protocol. The second transmission from theambulance to the hospital can be through a much longer-range, higherpower, broadband, wireless transmission protocol. Again, compression anddecompression techniques can be used to enhance the rate of transmissionby reducing the amount of data to be transmitted.

Based on the images, the doctor sends out voice messages to theparamedic. These messages are wirelessly transmitted to and received 856by the glasses. The speaker in the glasses outputs 858 the messages tothe paramedic.

In another embodiment, the glasses also have a microphone, which allowsthe paramedic to communicate directly with the doctor also.

In one embodiment, the glasses can take pictures and can be a multimediaasset player. Pictures and the multimedia assets can share the samememory storage device. In this situation, the capacity for themultimedia assets and pictures can be interrelated. For example, a usercan take more pictures if there are less multimedia assets, such asfewer songs in the storage device.

A number of embodiments have been described regarding electricalcomponents in the temples of glasses. The locations selected are forillustration purposes. In other embodiments, some of the components areembedded fully or partially in other areas of the glasses, such as thelens holders or the bridges of the glasses. For example, there areglasses where there are shields at the edges of the lens holders of theglasses. These shields can wrap around, or better conform to the profileof, the face of the wearer. There can be transparent or translucentwindows on these shields also. The shields are not limited to be inprimary frames. They can be in, for example, fit-over glasses, auxiliaryframes or safety glasses. To illustrate, in fit-over glasses, suchshields can go over or cover at least a portion of the primary frames.One or more electrical components can be in such shields. In stillanother embodiment, one or more electrical components can be in a straptied to the corresponding eyewear, such as a sports strap tied to thecorresponding sports eyewear. For example, the one or more electricalcomponents can be at least partially embedded in or attached to a strap.As one particular example, an audio player or wireless communicationmodule can be at least partially embedded in or attached to the strap.The strap may also provide electrical conductors (that are attached orinternal to the strap). Such electrical conductors can be coupled to aspeaker to produce audio output to the speaker, or can be coupled to amicrophone to receive audio input from the microphone. The speakerand/or microphone can also be attached to or integral with the strap.

Note that in one embodiment, a pair of glasses does not have to includelenses. Also, a number of embodiments have been described with a pair ofglasses tethered to a base. In one embodiment, a pair of glassesincludes a base and a cord connecting the base to the glasses.

In yet another embodiment, a pair of glasses also includes a sensor.FIG. 17A is a chart 900 that depicts examples of sensors in the glasses.

In one embodiment, the sensor is a “being worn” sensor. The “being worn”sensor indicates whether the glasses are being worn by its user. The“being worn” operation can be performed using, for example, a thermalsensor, a motion detector, a stress sensor or a switch.

In one embodiment, a motion detector is used as a “being worn” sensor. Athreshold can be set, such that if the amount of motion exceeds thethreshold, the eyewear is assumed to be worn. The motion detector can,for example, be achieved by a mechanical means or an accelerometer.

In another embodiment, the “being worn” sensor includes two thermalsensors. One sensor can be at approximately the middle of a temple, suchas in a region that touches the head of the user wearing the glasses.The other sensor can be at the end of the temple, close to its hinge. Ifthe temperature differential between the two sensors is beyond a certainpreset value, the eyewear would be assumed to be worn. The differentialis presumed to be caused by a person wearing the pair of glasses.

In yet another embodiment, the “being worn” sensor includes a stresssensor at the hinge of the temple. The assumption is that when theeyewear is worn, the hinge is typically slightly stretched becausetypically, the width of the head of the user is slightly wider than thewidth between the temples when the two temples are in the extendedpositions. If the value of the stress sensor is beyond a certain presetvalue, the glasses would be assumed to be worn.

In a further embodiment, the “being worn” sensor can be a switch. Forexample, at the hinge between a temple and its corresponding lensholder, there is a switch. When that temple is fully extended outwards,the switch is turned on. The switch can be a pin. When the temple isfully extended outwards, the pin is pressed. When both temples are fullyextended outwards, in one embodiment, the glasses would be assumed to beworn by the user.

In one embodiment, another type of sensor is an environmental sensor.The environmental sensor can sense environmental conditions, such as oneor more of ultraviolet radiation, temperature (e.g., ambienttemperature), pressure, light, humidity and toxins (e.g., chemicals,radiation, etc.).

In another embodiment, another type of sensor is a condition sensor. Thecondition sensor can sense the conditions of the user of the glasses.Examples of condition sensors include sensing one or more of distancetraveled, location, speed, calories consumed, temperature and vitalsigns associated with the user of the glasses. The distance traveledcould represent the horizontal distance traveled or the verticaldistance (i.e. elevation) traveled. The speed can be the rate ofmovement along the horizontal distance traveled and/or the verticaldistance. In yet another embodiment, the condition sensor can sense theemotional conditions of the user of the glasses. In one embodiment, acondition sensor can sense whether at least one of the user's eyes isopen or not. The condition sensor can sense if the user is crying. Thecondition sensor can sense the direction the user is looking.

The sensors can be provided in a redundant or fault-tolerant manner. Forexample, sensors can come in pairs in the glasses. When onemalfunctions, the other one will take over its operation. In anotherembodiment, the sensor information can be processed in a differentialmanner to examine changes to the sensor information. The sensors can bypowered by a battery, solar energy, or kinetic energy. For reduced powerconsumption, the sensors can remain in a low-power state unless data isbeing acquired by the sensors. In yet another embodiment, two or more ofthe auxiliary sensors can communicate with one another (wired orwirelessly) to exchange data or control information.

A number of embodiments have been described regarding one or moreelectrical components at least partially embedded in a pair of glasses.In one embodiment, one or more electrical components are at leastpartially embedded in a temple tip of a pair of glasses. Temple tips areparticularly common for wire or metal frames. The pair of glasses has afirst and a second lens holders for receiving lenses. Each of the lensholders has a first side and a second side. The pair of glasses has abridge element that couples the first side of the first lens holder tothe second side of the second lens holder. The pair of glasses alsoincludes a first temple and a second temple. The first temple ispivotally secured to the second side of the first lens holder through ajoint, while the second temple is pivotally secured to the first side ofthe second lens holder through another joint. A temple typically has twoends, a first end and a second end. The first end can be the end that ispivotally secured to a lens holder through a joint, and the second endcan be the other end of the temple. It is not uncommon that a templeincludes a main body and an enclosure that grabs onto the main body ofthe temple. The second end is typically where the enclosure grabs ontothe main body. The enclosure can be made of a different material thanthe main body of the temple. In one embodiment, such an enclosure is atemple tip, and there is an electrical component, partially or fully,embedded in the tip. There can also be a connector, such as theconnector 300 shown in FIG. 5 , at the temple tip. In anotherembodiment, the temple tip can include a female connector, which can besimilar to the female connector 310 shown in FIG. 6B. As the temple tipgrabs onto the main body of the temple, the female connector can makeelectrical contact with a male connector at the main body of the temple.Typically, particularly before a pair of glasses has been extensivelyworn, the temple tip can be removed and re-inserted back on to the mainbody of the temple without a lot of difficulties. Such a temple tip canbe an after-market component, with different temple tips havingdifferent electrical components to serve different functions.

FIG. 17B is a diagram of a temple arrangement 910 according to oneembodiment of the invention. In this arrangement, a temple tip is notconsidered as a part of the temple. The temple arrangement 910 includesa temple 912 that is associated with a pair of eyeglasses. Over the endof the temple 912 that is opposite the associated lens holder, a templetip 914 is provided. The temple tip 914 can be held to the temple 912 byfrictional forces and/or adhesive. The temple tip 914 includes at leastone electrical component 916 that is at least partially embeddedtherein. The temple tip 914 can be manufactured and delivered toresellers or retailers as such. Alternatively, the temple tip 914 can beseparately provided as an optional replacement temple tip for anexisting temple tip. Hence, as after manufacture, upgrade to the eyewearcan be had through replacing the existing temple tip with thereplacement temple tip. The colors and shapes of the temple tip 914 canvary widely. In the after manufacturing environment, the reseller orretailer can be provided with a range of different colors and shapes sothat a user can receive a replacement tip that reasonably matches thecolor and shape of the temple or that provides an altered appearance asdesired by the user.

Besides a replacement temple tip such as illustrated in FIG. 17B, atemple tip can also be effectively modified by a fit-over temple ortemple cover. FIG. 17C is a diagram of a temple cover 920 that at leastpartially covers a temple (e.g., temple 912) according to one embodimentof the invention. As another example, the temple cover 920 can be afabric or other material, such as a sock or sleeve, that slides over andat least partially covers a temple tip. The temple cover 920 can includeat one electrical component 922 that is either attached thereto or atleast partially embedded therein. The temple cover 920 can also includean opening 924 so as to received a temple or a temple tip. The templecover 920 can be held to a temple by frictional forces and/or adhesive.FIG. 17D is a diagram of a fit-over temple 926 that at least partiallyfits over a temple according to one embodiment of the invention. Forexample, the fit-over temple 926 can at least partial fit-over a templetip. The fit-over temple 926 includes at one electrical component 928that is either attached thereto or at least partially embedded therein.The fit-over temple 926 can also include an opening 930 so as to receivea temple. The fit-over temple 926 can be held to a temple by frictionalforces and/or adhesive. As an example, the fit-over temple 926 can beplastic or other material. The colors and shapes of the fit-over temple926 can vary widely. In the after manufacturing environment, thereseller or retailer can be provided with a range of different colorsand shapes so that a user can receive a replacement temple cover orfit-over temple that reasonably matches the color and shape of thetemple or that provides an altered appearance as desired by the user.

In one embodiment, a fit-over temple or temple cover according to theinvention can further include a connector or cable to facilitateelectrical connection with the at least one electrical component that iseither attached to a temple or a temple tip or at least partiallyembedded therein.

In one embodiment, an electrical component is a component of anelectrical circuit, and the electrical circuit is for performing atleast a desired, intended or predetermined function.

A number of embodiments have been described above for an eyeglass frame,i.e., primary frame, are also applicable to an auxiliary frame. Anauxiliary frame can attach to a primary frame through differenttechniques, such as using clips. Another technique to attach anauxiliary frame to a primary frame is by way of magnets. Examples ofusing magnets as an attachment technique can be found, for example, inU.S. Pat. No. 6,012,811, entitled, “EYEGLASS FRAMES WITH MAGNETS ATBRIDGES FOR ATTACHMENT.”

A number of embodiments have been described where one or more electricalcomponents are at least partially embedded in a pair of glasses. In yetanother embodiment, the one or more electrical components are at leastpartially embedded in an eye mask.

FIG. 18 shows one embodiment 925 where one or more electrical componentsare at least partially embedded in an eye mask 927. The eye mask 927includes a piece of fabric that is opaque so that when the mask is worn,the mask wraps around the eyes to block light from entering into theeyes of the user.

The embodiment 925 includes a wrapping mechanism to hold the fabric ontothe head of a user so that when the mask is worn by the user, themechanism allows the fabric to have a relatively tight and comfortablefit over the face of the user. In one approach the wrapping mechanism isachieved with the fabric in the shape of a band and having a certaindegree of elasticity. When the mask is worn by the user, the elasticityof the fabric allows the mask to establish a relatively tight fit overthe face of the user. In another example, the fabric is a long piece ofmaterial. The wrapping mechanism includes a clip or Velcro at the twoends of the piece of material to tie the two ends together. In anotherexample, the wrapping mechanism includes two elastic pieces of elasticmaterials at the two ends of the fabric. To wear the mask, each elasticpiece of material goes over one of the ears of the user so that thefabric establishes a relatively tight fit over the face of the user. Inyet another embodiment, the mask 927 includes a notch 935 to accommodatethe nose of the user. In another embodiment, there can be additionalpadding in the vicinity of the one or more electrical components so thatif an electrical component is pressed against the user, the paddingserves as a buffer or cushion.

In one embodiment, a speaker 929 can be at least partially embedded inthe mask 927, and can be positioned close to and facing one of the earsof the user. The speaker 929, through an electrical connector, iselectrically connected to a cable 931. The cable 931 can also have aconnector 933 at its distal end. The connector 933 can be plugged intoanother device, such as a MP3 player or a CD player. After putting onthe mask, with the connector 933 plugged into the another device, theuser would be able to hear, for example, audio sounds such as music. Theeyemask 925 can be applied to different areas. For example, the user canbe on a plane, and would like to rest. The user can put on the eyemask925, and plug the connector 933 into a media outlet at an armrest of herseat in the plane. Thus, the user can enjoy music while taking a rest.The embodiment 925 could also include a plurality of speakers, such asone for each of the user's ears.

In another embodiment, the eyemask 927 includes the speaker 929 and abattery that is electrically connected to the speaker 929. The batterycan be in a pocket on the eyemask and can be replaceable. The batterycan also be a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, andthere is a connector at least partially embedded in the eyemask. Theconnector can be used to recharge the battery.

FIG. 19 shows another embodiment 950 where one or more electricalcomponents are at least partially embedded in a night cap 952. In oneembodiment, the cap 952 is at least partially made of fabric. In anotherembodiment, the cap 952 is entirely made of fabric. The cap includes awrapping mechanism. When the cap is worn, the wrapping mechanism holdsthe cap onto the head of the user, and allows the cap to have arelatively tight and comfortable fit over the head of the user. Againthe wrapping mechanism can be an elastic band at the base 963 of the cap952. Or, the wrapping mechanism can include clips or Velcro aspreviously described.

The cap can include at least one speaker 954, which is at leastpartially embedded in the cap 952. When the cap 952 is worn by a user,the speaker 954 is positioned close to and facing one of the ears of theuser. The speaker 954 can, for example, be electrically connectedthrough a connector to a device 962 in a pocket 960 on the cap 952. Theelectrical connection can be through a cable 956 external to the cap952. The cable 956 also can have a connector 958 to be plugged into thedevice 962. In another embodiment, the cable 956 is embedded in the cap.The device 962 can be an asset player, such as a MP3 player, with abattery. Through the connector 958, audio signals from the device 962can be received by the speaker 954 and heard by the user. There can beone or more additional pockets on the night cap for one or moreadditional electrical components. When worn, the night cap does not haveto cover the eyes of the user. In yet another embodiment, when worn, thenight cap further covers the eyes of the user, as shown in FIG. 19 . Inone embodiment, the embodiment 950 further includes padding in thevicinity of an electrical component to serve as a buffer or cushionbetween the user and the electrical component.

A number of embodiments have been described involving a speaker in aneyemask or a night cap. In one embodiment, the audio output from thespeaker can serve to cancel the environmental sounds in the vicinity ofthe user. For example, if the user is on an airplane, the surroundingenvironmental sound has a relatively high level of white noise. Thiswhite noise can be detected by a pickup device and cancelled by noisecancellation circuitry provided within the eyemask or night cap. Namely,the audio output from the speaker serves to cancel the white noise ofthe user's environment. In another embodiment, the electrical componentembedded or partially embedded is not a speaker, but can be a sensor,which can sense a physiological function of the user.

FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating a temple 1000 having a slot forreceiving a removable electronic device 1002 according to one embodimentof the invention. In one example, the removable electronic device 1002can be a memory storage device, sometimes referred to as a memory card.As shown in FIG. 20A, the removable electronic device 1002 is insertedinto the slot. Although the slot could be electrically non-functional,typically the slot provides an avenue for the removable electronicdevice 1002 to be physically and electrically connected to electricalcircuitry within the temple 1000 or elsewhere within the eyeglass frame.FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating the temple 1000 having a recessedlower portion 1004 according to another embodiment of the invention. Therecessed lower portion 1004 facilitates the insertion and removal of theremovable electronic device 1002. In either embodiment, the removableelectronic device can be manually inserted and removed or can use morecomplicated mechanical mechanisms to assist with the insertion andremoval (e.g., spring-based push and release structure).

FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams illustrating a pair of glasses 2100having a camera 2101 coupled thereto, according to one embodiment. Thecamera includes an image sensor 2102 and a camera housing 2106 (alsoreferred to as a camera support arm). In this embodiment, the camera2101 is rotatably coupled to an exterior surface of a temple 2104 of thepair of glasses 2100. The camera support arm 2106 is attached to thetemple 2104. The camera support arm 2106 can couple to the temple 2104using a hinge 2108. In one implementation, the hinge 2108 can use aspring or cam mechanism so that the camera support arm 2106 is heldeither against the temple 2104 when not in use or held in an open orextended position when in use. FIG. 21A illustrates one position of thecamera support arm 2106 when the camera 2101 is not in use. FIG. 21Billustrates one position of the camera support arm 2106 when the camera2101 is in use. The presence of the camera 2101 with the pair ofeyeglasses 2100 enables a wearer of the pair of eyeglasses 2100 to takepictures of what the wearer is looking at. It should be noted that othersupporting circuitry such as data storage for pictures, switches,battery, and electronics for the camera 2101 can be in the temple 2104,in the camera support arm 2106, elsewhere in the pair of glasses 2100,or even tethered thereto. However, in one implementation, the camera2101 is completely self-contained in the camera housing 2106. In oneembodiment, the hinge 2108 can also serve as a switch to turn the imagesensor 2102 on or off.

In one implementation, to improve overall appearance of the pair ofglasses 2100, the temple 2100 can provide a recess for receiving thecamera support arm 2106 when the camera is not being utilized. Such mayimprove the aesthetic appearance of the pair of glasses 2100.

In another implementation, the pair of glasses 2100 can further providea viewfinder. The viewfinder can assist the user in directing the imagesensor 2102 towards whenever the user desired to photograph. Theviewfinder can be a separate apparatus that is extended by user actionor can be a viewfinder that is visually present or presented on one ofthe lenses. In one example, the viewfinder can be an extendable viewerthrough which the user can look through to determine the field ofreference of the image sensor 2102. The viewfinder can be extendiblefrom either of the temples, such as in a telescoping, sliding orflipping action. Additionally, when the camera support arm 2106 isextended, a viewfinder can be automatically initiated. For example,indicators on one of the lens can be visually presented, such as throughoptical projection from one or more light sources. In anotherembodiment, the viewfinder can be always present, such as withindicators on one of the lens of the pair of glasses 2100. Theindicators can be a few faint dots to define an area (e.g., a square) onthe lens.

In one embodiment, the camera support arm (camera housing) 2106 isremovably coupled to the hinge 2108. As such, the camera 2101 can beremoved from or attached to the pair of glasses 2100. Indeed, the camerasupport arm (camera housing) 2106 can be a camera body that houseselectronics for the camera 2101. In such case, the camera 2101 canoperate as a camera apart from the pair of glasses 2100.

In one implementation, the camera support arm 2106 has a connector andthe hinge 2108 has a counterpart connector. In one example, theconnectors are peripheral bus connectors, such as USB connectors. Insuch case, the camera support arm 2106 can be attached and removed fromthe pair of glasses 2100. Such a connection via the connectors can beelectrically functional or non-functional. If functional, electricalcomponents in the pair of glasses 2100 can be electrically connected toelectrical components in the camera 2101.

Still further, in one embodiment, the connector at the end of the hinge2108 enables connection of a variety of different peripheral devices tothe pair of glasses 2100. For example, the different peripheral devices(portable electronic devices) can be the camera, a memory card, or amedia player. In one embodiment, electrical components integral with thepair of glasses 2100 can be shared by the different peripheralcomponents. The hinge 2108 is not necessary in other embodiments, seeFIGS. 8F-8H, where a connector is attached or integral with a temple ofa pair of glasses. If desired, the camera 2101 or other peripheraldevices can include in its structure a hinge or other mechanism topermit positioning the camera or other peripheral devices.

In still another embodiment, an angled or hinged adapter can be insertedbetween a connector attached to the pair of glasses 2100 and a connectorof the camera 2101 or other peripheral devices. The adapter can beelectrically functional or non-functional.

In yet in another embodiment, a pair of glasses functioning as a headsetwith a speaker and a microphone further includes a camera. FIG. 22 is adiagram of a pair of glasses 2200 having a camera according to oneembodiment of the invention. The glasses 2200 include a temple 2205 thathas a microphone 2204, a speaker 2206 and a camera 2208 with a connector2210. The connector 2210 is for connecting, for example, to anotherelectronic device that provides at least one of data or informationtransfer capabilities or a power source for the glasses.

In one embodiment, the camera 2208 is a digital camera with an on/offswitch 2212. For example, the camera 2208 is a CCD camera including aCCD controller coupled to a CCD chip to capture images, a CCD memorydevice and a lens.

In one embodiment, with the connector 2210 connected to anotherelectronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device), when the switch2212 is pushed on, the CCD chip takes a picture. The charges in the CCDchip are digitized and transmitted through the connector 2210 to theother electronic device, under the management of the controller. Atleast some of the charges can be temporarily stored in the CCD memorydevice, for example, to accommodate the differences in speed in takingpictures and sending the pictures to the portable device through theconnector. In this embodiment, images can be stored at the otherelectronic device. In another embodiment, the glasses can includesufficient data storage capabilities to store the pictures, at leastuntil transferred to another electronic device.

In one embodiment, the glasses do not offer focusing capability. The CCDchip can be located, for example, at the focal point of the lens. Inanother embodiment, there is an image distance control knob. Forexample, a mechanical lever can be pre-programmed or pre-set to move thelens to one or more different positions. In one implementation, therecan be just two positions. One position can be for close-up shots andanother for distance shots, such as close-up being about 2 ft from thelens and the distant being about 6 ft away; or close-up being about 8inches away and distant being about 2 ft away.

FIG. 22 shows one embodiment regarding the location of the camera 2208at the end of the temple or arm 2205 of the glasses 2200 next to thehinge. The lens of the camera faces forward. In this situation, what theuser sees is substantially what the captured image would be. In otherwords, in a general sense, what the user sees through the glasses iswhat the user gets, without the need for an additional view finder. Withsuch an embodiment, it is relatively easy for a user to take pictures,hands-free, without the need for an additional strap for holding thecamera.

The connector 2210 at the end of the glasses 2200 can be, for example, a4-terminal connector, one for ground, one for power and the other twofor transmit and receive signals. In another embodiment, the connector2210 can be a 3-terminal connector, with the power line and one of thesignal lines sharing one terminal.

Regarding the embodiment shown in FIG. 22 , the speaker 2206 can be inthe glasses, with a tube 2216 and an ear bud 2218, to help bring audiosignals to the user. In one embodiment, the tube 2216 can be rotated atits end where it connects to the glasses. In another embodiment, thespeaker 2206 can be provided at the ear bud 2218.

In one embodiment, the CCD chip with the CCD memory device and the CCDcontroller are on the same integrated circuit.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 22 also includes a microphone 2204. In oneembodiment, the CCD memory device also stores audio signals from themicrophone 2204. For example, the memory device stores a duration oftime, such as the last 15 seconds, of audio signals. When the user takesa picture, a duration of time before taking the picture, such as theprevious 15 seconds, audio signals can be coupled to the picture.Another duration of time after taking the picture, such as the next 10seconds, of audio signals can also be coupled to the picture. In oneembodiment, the audio picked up can include environmental sounds presentat that time. The audio signals or the digitized version of the audiosignals can also be transmitted to the other electronic device with thecorresponding picture. In the future, if the user wants to view thepicture, the audio signals can be played with the picture at the sametime. As another example, the user can provide an auditory annotation tothe pictures being taken. Here, the user can leave a specific audiomessage to be associated with the picture. For example, the user mighttake a picture of his childhood home and record an audio annotation,“This is where I grew up”.

In one embodiment, a pair of glasses functions as a headset with aspeaker, a microphone and a camera. The pair of glasses can be coupledto another electronic device through a connector of the glasses.Additional electrical components, such as those in the other electronicdevice, like a portable device, for the glasses can be incorporated inthe glasses. For example, the power source can also be in the glassesand the glasses do not have to include a connector. In one embodiment,the glasses include non-volatile memory to store at least a number ofpictures. In another embodiment, the glasses further include a connectorto receive a memory card, such as a flash memory device. The card can bea standard memory card with a USB connector. Pictures taken can bestored in the removable memory card.

In yet another embodiment for the glasses with a camera, the glasses donot include a speaker or a microphone. The glasses include a temple thathas a CCD controller coupled to a CCD chip, a CCD memory device and alens. The temple also includes an on/off switch with a connector. Theconnector is for connecting, for example, to a portable device thatincludes at least a power source for the camera.

In still another embodiment, an auditory feedback by a speaker isprovided or coupled to a pair of glasses. For example, a clicking or“snapshot” sound can be output when a picture is taken (such as when auser initiates the picture taking).

Additional disclosure on camera in glasses can be found in U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/583,169, filed on Jun. 22, 2004, which ishereby incorporated by reference.

A number of electrical components have been described. They can be oncircuit boards, which can be made of flexible materials. They can be ona substrate. They can also be integrated into one or more integratedcircuits.

FIG. 23A is a diagram of a pair of glasses (i.e., eyeglass frame) 2300having a camera according to one embodiment of the invention. Theeyeglass frame 2300 illustrated in FIG. 23A includes a lens holder 2302holding a lens 2304 and a lens holder 2306 holding a lens 2308. Theeyeglass frame 2300 also includes temples 2309 and 2310. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 23A, the temple 2310 includes a camera 2312,supporting electronics 2314 and a switch (e.g., button) 2316. In oneembodiment, the camera 2312 includes a CCD chip. The camera 2312 canalso include a lens and buffer memory. In one embodiment, theelectronics 2314 illustrated in FIG. 23A can be embedded within thetemple 2310. The electronics 2314 can include at least a microcontroller(e.g., an image processor), a memory, and a battery. These electronics2314 can support the camera 2312. The eyeglass frame 2300 can furtherinclude various other electrical components. For example, the eyeglassframe 2300 can further include one or more of: a microphone, anearphone, a removable memory, a display, a clock, and a GlobalPositioning System (GPS). These electrical components can be used inconjunction with the camera 2312 or separately from the camera 2312. Thebutton 2316 enables a wearer of the eyeglass frame 2300 to turn thecamera 2312 on/off and/or to cause a picture to be taken (recorded). Forexample, by pushing the button 2316 for more than a few seconds, thecamera will be turned off. However, by pushing and releasing the button2316, the camera takes a picture.

Still further, in the embodiment of the eyeglass frame 2300 shown inFIG. 23A, the eyeglass frame 2300 further includes a view finder 2318and an angled surface 2320. Other embodiments of eyeglass frames neednot include such features. Nevertheless, the view finder 2318 can assista wearer (i.e., user) of the eyeglass frame 2300 in understanding theframe of the image (picture) being captured by the camera 2312. In thisexample, the view finder 2318 is provided on the lens 2304 in a visible,yet non-distracting manner. As shown in FIG. 23A, the view finder 2318can be positioned such the wearer can direct the image (picture) to becaptured. For example, the wearer would orient their head (using theview finder 2318) to direct the camera 2312 towards the desired subject.Also, the angled surface 2320 allows mounting the camera 2312 in anangled manner. As a result, the direction of the camera 2312 is notstraight forward but out towards the side. This facilitates the wearerin directing the camera 2312 using a single eye via the lens 2304, andmore particularly via the view finder 2318 if provided. The outwardangle from straight forward being utilized by the camera 2312 can varywith implementation. For example, the outward angle can be in the rangeof 10-70 degrees or more particularly in the range of 15-60 degrees, ormore particularly in the range of 20-40 degrees from the perpendiculardirection of the plane of a front surface of the eyeglass frame 2300. Inone embodiment, with the camera positioned at an angle, the lens holder2302 would not block the field of view of the camera even with thecamera being positioned at a distance behind the lens holder 2302.

Although the camera 2312 is provided on the left side of the pair ofglasses 2300 as shown in FIG. 23A, it should be understood that thecamera could alternatively or additionally be provided on the right sideof the glasses.

FIG. 23B is a diagram of a pair of glasses (i.e., eyeglass frame) 2300′according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the eyeglass frame2300′ is similar to the eyeglass frame 2300 illustrated in FIG. 23A.However, the eyeglass frame 2300′ further includes a connector 2322 anda memory card 2324. More particularly, the temple 2310 includes a region2326 larger than the temple region shown in FIG. 23A. The larger orenlarged region can provide additional space for the connector 2322 andthe memory card 2324. The memory card 2324 can be operatively connectedelectrically to the electronics 2314 within the temple 2310 via theconnector 2322. The connector 2322 also can serve to provide a physicalconnection of the memory card 2324 to the eyeglass frame 2300. In oneembodiment, such physical connection is removable so that the memorycard 2324 can be connected to or removed from the temple 2310.Accordingly, the memory card 2324 can facilitate porting of data orinformation (e.g., pictures) from the eyeglass frame 2300′ to anotherelectronic device (e.g., computer). As an example, the connector 2322can be a USB connector or other peripheral type connector.

The eyeglass frame having a camera according to one embodiment of theinvention can further include one or more sensors. For example, the oneor more sensors can include one or more of a “being worn” sensor, amotion sensor, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used toinfluence operation of the camera provided with the eyeglass frame. Forexample, a “being worn” sensor can be used to determine whether theeyeglass frame is being worn by a user. If the eyeglass frame is notbeing worn, then the camera can be deactivated to prevent unnecessarybattery consumption and/or to prevent pictures from being taken. As anexample, if the camera is operated to automatically, periodically take apicture, then if the eyeglasses are not being worn, the automaticpicture taking process could be stopped. In one embodiment, a motionsensor can be used in a variety of ways. A motion indication canindicate a rate of activity of the user. For example, the rate ofactivity could be used to avoid taking pictures during periods of highactivity, such as rapid movements of the eyeglass frame (or thecorresponding user), or to influence image processing, such as exposurerate. As another example, the rate of activity can be used to controlthe rate pictures are taken such as in the automatic picture takingexample. In one embodiment, a light sensor can indicate the degree oflight in the vicinity of the camera. The light indication can influencethe image processing, such as exposure rate of the camera.

In one embodiment, in an automatic picture taking example, the location,time or device resources (e.g., available memory) can also be used tocontrol the rate pictures are taken. Also, the ability of the eyeglassframe to know or acquire time and/or location information (such as thelocation of the eyeglass frame or the corresponding user) can enablepictures taken by the camera to be stored along with time and/orlocation indications.

The eyeglass frame having a camera according to one embodiment of theinvention can further include a global positioning system (GPS). Theinformation from the GPS can be used to alter configuration settingsand/or influence operation of the camera. For example, the configurationsettings can be different at night versus during daytime or can bedifferent depending on time or location. As another example, the cameracan take pictures depending on location. In one implementation, thecamera can automatically take pictures dependent on a change inlocation. For example, after taking a picture, the camera can take asubsequent picture when the change in location exceeds a predeterminedthreshold.

In one embodiment, the camera utilized in the various embodiments is adigital camera, namely, a digital image capture device. The camera canbe a still camera or a motion camera (i.e., video camera). The cameracan be designed for manual focusing, auto-focusing, or predeterminedfixed focusing. The camera can also support a wide angle or panoramicview.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a pair of eyeglasses (i.e., eyeglass frame)2400 according to another embodiment of the invention. The eyeglasses2400 include a lens holder 2402 for a lens 2404. The lens holder 2402 isfor the left side of the eyeglasses 2400. A bridge 2406 couples the lensholder 2402 to another lens holder for the right side of the eyeglasses.In this embodiment, the lens 2404 and the lens holder 2402 extendsubstantially around the side and are sometimes referred to as“wrap-around” type frames. The eyeglasses 2400 include a temple having aforward temple portion 2408 and a rearward temple portion 2410.Typically, the lens holder 2402, the temple 2406, the forward templeportion 2408 and the rearward temple portion 2410 are integrally formedas a single structure. The eyeglasses 2400 also support audio output toa wearer of the eyeglasses 2400. To support audio, the eyeglasses 2400include an ear bud 2412, which serves as a speaker, and an extension arm2414. In this embodiment, the extension arm 2414 couples the ear bud2412 to the forward temple portion 2408. The extension arm 2414 can bepliable so that the wearer can adjust the position of the ear bud 2412.In further support of audio, the eyeglasses 2400 couple to a cable 2416.The cable 2416 provides audio signals to the ear bud 2412 via at leastone electrical conductor extending through the cable 2416 and theextension arm 2414 to the ear bud 2412. In one implementation, one endof the cable 2416 has a connector 2418 and the other end is integralwith or connected to the forward temple portion 2408. The connector 2418can connect to a media output device, such as a portable media player(e.g., radio, MP3 player, CD player, etc.). In another implementation,the cable 2416 can have a connector, such as a plug, that connects to ajack 2420 embedded in the forward temple portion 2408, thereby allowingthe cable 2416 to detach from the eyeglasses 2400. Alternatively, thecable 2416 can directly connect to the media output device without theuse of the connector 2418. Optionally, the eyeglasses 2400 can alsosupport audio input by providing a microphone with the eyeglasses 2400.In one embodiment, with a microphone, the eyeglasses 2400 serve as aheadset for a phone.

Regardless of the electrical components being utilized with the eyeglassframes, it may be desirable for the eyeglass frames to be substantiallybalanced in weight. In the event that electrical components are attachedand/or at least partially embedded in one of the temples of the eyeglassframe, the other of the temples can include other electrical componentsor even a counter weight so that the eyeglass frame can be substantiallybalanced.

A number of embodiments have been described regarding electricalcomponents in a temple of a pair of glasses. All of the electroniccomponents can be self-contained inside the temple of the glasses. Thecomponents can be coupled to a printed circuit board. In otherembodiments, some of the components are embedded fully or partially inother areas of the glasses, such as the lens holders or the bridge ofthe glasses. Or, one or more electrical components can be in a shield ofthe glasses. In one embodiment, one embedded electrical component caninclude a circuit board. The circuit board can be a rigid or a flexiblecircuit board. In a number of embodiments, electrical components havebeen described to be fully or partially embedded in a temple of glasses,or in a temple arrangement. In other embodiments, the component(s) canbe in other parts of the glasses, such as the lens holders, the nosepads, the bridges or the shields.

Additional embodiments pertain to improved approaches for users ofelectronic devices to communicate with one another. The electronicdevices have audio and/or textual output capabilities. The improvedapproaches can enable users to communicate in different ways dependingon device configuration, user preferences, prior history, time or othercriteria. In one embodiment, the communication between users is achievedby short audio or textual messages.

The electronic device can be any computing device having communicationcapabilities. Such computing devices can be referred to as communicationdevices. Examples of electronic devices include personal computers,personal digital assistants, pagers or mobile telephones.

FIG. 25 is a communication system 3100 according to one embodiment. Thecommunication system 3100 can support different communication devices,including mobile telephones 3102, computers 3104 (e.g., personalcomputers) and/or wireless personal digital assistants (PDAs) 3106.Users of the communication devices 3102-3106 can communicate with likeor different communication devices. Each communication device 3102-3106offers one or both of audio or textual communication capabilities. Thesecommunication devices 3102-3106 can inter-communicate with one anotherthrough a network 3108. The network 3108 can include one or more ofvoice networks and data networks. For example, one network is a datanetwork providing a slow speed data channel for transmission of ShortMessage Service (SMS) messages (which are typically limited to 160 textcharacters) to a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) and then forwardedon to the destination. Besides short messages (e.g., SMS messages), thenetwork 3108 can also support other messaging protocols for sending andreceiving enhanced messages (EMS), multimedia messages (MMS), email andfax messages. Other networks support faster data channels and voicechannels, such as GPRS, UMTS, G4, GSM, CDMA and various protocols, suchas UDP, TCP, WAP, PDP other protocols.

According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the communicationdevices 3102-3106 can send a short message to another of thecommunication devices 3102-3106. The short message can be text-based oraudio-based. The sending communication device allows its user to createthe short message as the user desires and/or as the device permits. Forexample, the user might interact with a keypad or keyboard to enter theshort message, or the user might record audio inputs (e.g., speech) forthe short message. The short message can then be sent to the receivingcommunication device. The sending of the short message may involveconverting the short message from an audio message to a text message, orvice versa. Also, the receiving communication device can further convertthe short message from audio-to-text or from text-to-audio. In any case,the short message is presented (e.g., displayed or played) to the userof the receiving communication device. The presentation can vary as theuser desires or as the device permits.

A first aspect of the invention pertains to improved approaches torespond to incoming voice calls. The improved approaches enable a calledparty (i.e., a party being called) to provide some information to acalling party without directly engaging in a voice call with the callingparty. The called party can choose not to take the voice call from thecalling party. Instead, the called party can provide the calling partywith some limited information. The limited information can be providedin an audio or textual format. In one embodiment, the limitedinformation provides the calling party with feedback as to why the voicecall was not taken.

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram of a personal call response process 3200according to one embodiment of the invention. The personal call responseprocess 3200 is performed by an electronic device, such as a mobilecommunication device (e.g., mobile telephone). The personal callresponse process 3200 begins with a decision 3202 that determineswhether there is an incoming voice call. When the decision 3202determines that there is no incoming voice call, then the personal callresponse process 3200 awaits such a call. Once the decision 3202determines that there is an incoming voice call, a decision 3204determines whether the incoming voice call is to be answered. Typically,the user of the electronic device would signal the electronic device asto whether or not to answer the incoming voice call. Alternatively, theelectronic device could automatically decide whether to answer the call.

When the decision 3204 determines that the user desires the incomingvoice call to be answered, the incoming voice call is answered 3206 andthe user engages 3208 in a voice call with the calling party. A decision3210 then determines whether the call has ended. When the decision 3210determines that the call has not yet ended, then the personal callresponse process 3200 can return to repeat the block 3208 while thevoice call continues. Once the decision 3210 determines that the voicecall has ended, then the personal call response process 3200 ends.

When the decision 3204 determines that the user does not desire toanswer the incoming voice call, a decision 3212 determines whether theuser desires to provide an audio message to the calling party. When thedecision 3212 determines that the user does desire to provide an audiomessage to the calling party, an audio message is obtained and sent 3214to the calling party (caller).

Alternatively, when the decision 3212 determines that the user does notdesire to provide an audio message, a decision 3216 determines whetherthe user desires to provide a text message to the calling party. Whenthe decision 3216 determines that the user desires to provide a textmessage to the calling party, a text message is obtained and sent 3218to the calling party.

Still further, when the decision 3216 determines that the user does notdesire to provide a text message to the calling party, a decision 3220determines whether the incoming voice call is to be directed to voicemail. When the decision 3220 determines that the incoming voice callshould be directed to voice mail, then the incoming voice call isdirected 3222 to voice mail. On the other hand, when the decision 3220determines that the incoming voice call is not to be directed to voicemail, the incoming voice call is dropped 3224. Following the blocks3214, 3218, 3222 and 3224, the personal call response process 3200 iscomplete and ends.

In another embodiment, a personal call response process could announcethe calling party to the called party (user). In announcing the callingparty, the personal call response process would present the called partywith information pertaining to the calling party (e.g., display or audiosound). Such information could, for example, help the called party todecide whether to answer the incoming voice call. The information can,for example, include one or more of name (individual or business),telephone number, or other caller identification. The information couldalso include status information of the calling party, such as position,health, mood, etc. As an example, the information could be presented tothe user prior to the decision 3204 of the personal call responseprocess 3200 shown in FIG. 26 .

In still another embodiment, an automated decision process to decidewhether to answer a call can be based on time (e.g., decision 3204). Forexample, the called party can previously set a rule, such as that frommidnight to 6 am, the party does not want to answer voice calls. Then,during this time period, the electronic device can automatically decidenot to answer incoming calls. In one implementation, when the electronicdevice decides not to answer incoming calls, no indication of incomingcalls will be provided to the called party. For example, from midnightto 6 am, the device would not produce any ring tone. Additionally, ifdesired, the called party can also configure the electronic device toautomatically provide an audio message or a text message to the callingparty (e.g., I'm asleep call me tomorrow”).

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram of an audio message response process 3300according to one embodiment of the invention. The audio message responseprocess 3300 is, for example, suitable for use as the processing carriedout by block 3214 illustrated in FIG. 26 .

The audio message response process 3300 initially answers 3302 theincoming voice call. In this operation, the incoming voice call isanswered 3302 but not in a traditional way. Instead, the electroniccircuitry associated with a mobile communication device (e.g., mobiletelephone) that receives the incoming voice call operates to answer theincoming voice call for purposes of an audio message response. Forexample, a voice channel is established between the calling party andthe mobile communication device, but the speaker and microphone of themobile communication device are disabled. In effect, in such anembodiment, neither the called party nor the calling party perceivesthat the voice calling has been answered.

Next, one or more predetermined audio messages can be presented 3304 bythe mobile communication device. The presentation 3304 of the one ormore predetermined audio messages can, for example, be achieved by audioor visual means. For example, the predetermined audio messages can beaudio output to a speaker associated with the mobile communicationdevice for the called party or can be visual output (e.g., text) to adisplay of the mobile communication device for the called party (e.g.,user of the mobile communication device).

A decision 3306 then determines whether a predetermined audio messagehas been selected. Here, the decision 3306 determines whether the user(i.e., called party) of the mobile communication device has selected oneor more of the predetermined audio messages. When the decision 3306determines that a predetermined audio message has been selected, thenthe selected audio message is played 3308 for the calling party. Here,the mobile communication device can output the selected audio message tothe calling party over the voice channel. Typically, the mobilecommunication device of the called party would not produce an audibleoutput at the mobile communication device, so that the called partywould not be disturbed by the sending of the audio response. Thepredetermined audio messages are normally short messages (e.g., not morethan 160 characters) so that the duration of time the voice channel isneeded and/or the amount of network bandwidth consumed is minimal.

On the other hand, when the decision 3306 determines that none of thepredetermined audio messages have been selected, then a decision 3310determines whether a custom audio message is requested. A custom audiomessage is an audio message that is specifically provided for thecalling party. When the decision 3310 determines that a custom audiomessage is not being requested, then the audio message response process3300 returns to repeat the decision 3306 and subsequent operations.Alternatively, when the decision 3310 determines that a custom audiomessage is requested, then a custom audio message is recorded 3312.Thereafter, the custom audio message that has been recorded can beplayed 3314 for the calling party (caller). Here, typically, the customaudio message would be output by the mobile communication device of thecalled party over the voice channel to the calling party. Typically, themobile communication device of the called party would not produce anaudible output at the mobile communication device, so that the calledparty would not be disturbed by the sending of the audio response. Thecustom audio messages are also normally short messages (e.g., not morethan 160 characters) so that the duration of time the voice channel isneeded and/or the amount of network bandwidth consumed is minimal.

Following the operations 3308 and 3314, the incoming voice call isclosed 3316. In other words, after the selected audio message or thecustom audio message is played 3308, 3314, the incoming voice call canbe closed 3316. Following the block 3316, the audio message responseprocess 3300 is complete and ends.

The predetermined audio messages that are presented 3304 to a calledparty can be determined in a static or dynamic manner. A staticdetermination would, for example, be when the called party haspreviously set or recorded an audio message to be utilized. Typically,with static determination, the list of audio messages remains the same(i.e., static) until changed (e.g., by the called party). A dynamicdetermination would allow the audio messages in the list (or theordering of the audio messages in the list) to change without specificaction by the user or the called party. For example, the list orordering of the audio messages can depend on preference settings,configuration information, or prior usage. Prior usage can includebiasing the list of audio messages such that those messages being mostoften selected appear higher in the list. The list or ordering of theaudio messages can also depend on the calling party, type of callingparty, location of calling party or called party, and the like. The listof audio messages can be represented by text and/or graphics (e.g.,icons).

The audio message response process 3300 flexibly enables a user toeither select one or more predetermined audio messages or provide acustom audio message to be used as an audio message response to acalling party. However, it should be recognized that, in otherembodiments, an audio message response process can alternatively simplypertain to only providing a custom audio message, or only permittingselection of a predetermined audio message. Further, in still otherembodiments, an audio message response process can first determinewhether a custom audio message is to be provided before presentingpredetermined audio messages. In yet other embodiments, an audio messageresponse process can answer the incoming voice call later in theprocessing than operation 3302 as shown in FIG. 27 (e.g., beforeoperations 3308 and 3314).

FIG. 28 is a flow diagram of a text message response process 3400according to one embodiment of the invention. The text message responseprocess 3400 is, for example, processing performed by the block 3218illustrated in FIG. 26 .

The text message response process 3400 initially drops 3402 the incomingvoice call. Here, the information to be supplied to the calling party isa short text message; therefore, there is no need for a voice channel.

Next, one or more predetermined text messages are displayed 3404. Here,the one or more predetermined text messages would normally be displayedon a display screen associated with the mobile communication devicebeing utilized by the called party. A decision 3406 then determineswhether one (or more) of the predetermined text messages has beenselected. When the decision 3406 determines that a predetermined textmessage has been selected, then the selected text message is transmitted3408 to the caller (i.e., the calling party).

On the other hand, when the decision 3406 determines that apredetermined text message has not been selected, then a decision 3410determines whether a custom text message is requested. When the decision3410 determines that a custom text message is not requested, then thetext message response process 3400 returns to repeat the decision 3406and subsequent operations. Alternatively, when the decision 3410determines that a custom text message is requested, then the custom textmessage is entered 3412. Here, the called party interacts with themobile communication device to enter the custom text message. Then, thecustom text message is transmitted 3414 to the caller. In oneembodiment, the transmission 3408, 3414 of the text message can beperformed over a communication network, such as a network having a ShortMessage Service Center (SMSC) supporting Short Message Service (SMS)messages. Following the transmission 3408 of the selected text messageor the transmission 3414 of the custom text message, the text messageresponse process 3400 is complete and ends.

An alternative embodiment of a text message response process couldoperate to answer the incoming voice call and announce to the callerthat a text message will be forthcoming. Then, the incoming voice callcould be promptly dropped. This additional operation could, for example,be used with the text message response process 3400 by providing anadditional operation prior to the block 3402 illustrated in FIG. 28 .

The predetermined text messages being displayed 3404 to a called partycan be determined in a static or dynamic manner. A static determinationwould, for example, be a text message the called party has previouslyset or entered. Typically, with static determination, the list of textmessages remains the same (i.e., static) until changed (e.g., by thecalled party). A dynamic determination would allow the text messages inthe list (or the ordering of the text messages in the list) to changeautomatically, and not by the user. For example, the list or ordering ofthe text messages can depend on preference settings, configurationinformation, or prior usage. To illustrate, prior usage can includebiasing the list of text messages such that those messages being mostoften selected appear higher in the list. The list or ordering of thetext messages can also depend on the calling party, type of callingparty, location of calling party or called party, and the like. The listof text messages can identify each text message with text (e.g., atleast a portion of the corresponding text message, or an abbreviation)and/or graphics (e.g., icons).

The text message response process 3400 flexibly enables a user to eitherselect one or more predetermined text messages or provide a custom textmessage to be used as a text message response to a calling party.However, it should be recognized that, in other embodiments, a textmessage response process can alternatively simply pertain to onlyproviding a custom text message, or only permitting selection of apredetermined text message. Further, in still other embodiments, a textmessage response process can first determine whether a custom textmessage is to be provided before presenting predetermined text messages.

FIG. 29 is a flow diagram of an automated call response process 3500according to one embodiment of the invention. The automatic callresponse process 3500 is substantially similar in many ways to thepersonal call response process 3200 illustrated in FIG. 2 . However, theautomated call response process 3500 operates to reduce user input atthe mobile communication device by making use of stored data pertainingto its hardware components, configuration or preferences. In thisregard, the automatic call response process 3500 includes a decision3502 that determines whether a head-set is active. When the decision3502 determines that a head-set is active, then the automatic callresponse process 3500 can prefer, suggest or require the user to obtainand send 3214 an audio message to the caller in response to an incomingvoice call. Alternatively, when the decision 3502 determines that ahead-set is not active, then a decision 3504 can determine whether adisplay is present. In other words, the decision 3504 can determinewhether the mobile communication device has a display. When the decision3504 determines that the mobile communication device does have adisplay, then the mobile communication device can operate to obtain andsend 3218 a text message to the caller. Of course, this assumes that thecaller can support text messages even though they initially called witha voice call. Hence, in another embodiment, the automatic call responseprocess can operate to query or obtain information regarding thecaller's communication device capabilities.

An exemplary scenario of how the previously described automatic callresponse process could work according to one implementation is asfollows:

1. From his mobile phone, Bill calls Tom's mobile phone.

2. Tom is alerted by his mobile phone of an incoming call. Optionally,caller information (i.e., pertaining to Bill) can be displayed orannounced to Tom.

3. Tom can choose to answer the incoming call or decline to answer thecall.

4. In the event that Tom declines to answer the call, Tom can have theopportunity to provide the caller with a brief audio or text message.

5. If an audio message is to be provided, then Tom can either record apersonalized message or select one of a plurality of predetermined audiomessages. In this case, the incoming call is answered by Tom's mobilephone and then the audio message is played for the caller, thereafterthe call is dropped. The audio messages are typically brief (i.e.,short), and examples of audio messages are: (i) “Will call in 10minutes,” (ii) “Cannot talk now,” (iii) “I'm in a meeting,” or (iv)“Please don't call anymore.”

6. On the other hand, if a text message is to be provided, then Tom caneither enter a personalized text message or select from a plurality ofpredetermined text messages. In this case, the incoming call is dropped,and the entered text message or the selected one of the predeterminedtext messages is sent. Examples of text messages are: (i) “Will call in10 minutes,” (ii) “Cannot talk now,” (iii) “I'm in a meeting,” or (iv)“Please don't call anymore.” The text messages can be English (or otherlanguage) words or phrases, or can be condensed text strings (e.g., suchas slang or chat language). In one embodiment, the predetermined textmessages presented to Tom can be dependent on some criteria (i.e.,automatically selected). Alternatively, it is possible that Tom mightwant to edit the predetermined text message, such can be permitted. Asyet another example, the text message can embed dynamic information,such as position, e.g., “I'm in [position] now, so I'll get back to youlater.” The position can be determined using a GPS receiver in themobile phone or acquired by a remote computer and provided to the mobilephone. The position may also be further processed (locally or remotely)into a more user-friendly form, such as city, school, restaurant name,or street type addresses. The position could also be used above toassist the user in deciding whether to answer the incoming call ordecline to answer the call.

7. If hardware components, configuration or preferences are taken intoconsideration, as illustrated in FIG. 29 , the above scenario can bemodified. For example, if Tom is using a head-set with his mobile phone,then an audio message may be most convenient, assuming that Tom wants toprovide a particular (i.e., customized) message to Bill. The head-setallows Tom to record a brief audio message. Less conveniently, thehead-set can be used to present a list of predetermined audio messagesand allow Tom's selection therefrom by a button or voice-command.

8. If Tom is not using a head-set, then a text message response might bemore suitable. This would typically require that Tom's mobile phone havea display and a keypad. Even so, without a head-set, Tom could stillrecord an audio message, though such would likely be less convenient.

9. Tom can also not provide an audio message or a text message andsimply let the incoming call roll-over into voice mail.

The exemplary scenario can also be used in a case where the called partyis using one line but the mobile device has multi-line capabilities orcall waiting. In such case, the mobile phone can enable the called partyto provide a brief audio or text message to the calling party as notedabove. Alternatively, the mobile phone can itself automatically (i.e.,without user input) respond to the calling party via an audio or textmessage since the mobile phone is aware that the called party is on theother line.

In this aspect of the invention, the calling party and the called partyoften use mobile communication devices, such as mobile phones. However,the parties can alternatively use other electronic devices, such as aPDA, a computer, etc. Further, the option to provide a text responsecould be prevented if the caller's device is known to not support textmessages.

The advantages of the previously described embodiments are numerous.Different embodiments or implementations may yield different advantages.One advantage is that communications for users of electronic devices canbe flexibly provided. Another advantage is that communication modechanges can be performed at an electronic device to better suit theneeds or condition of the electronic device or user preferences. Instill another advantage, a user can provide feedback to a caller withoutanswering a voice call from the caller.

Another aspect of the invention pertains to improved approaches torespond to an incoming text message. The improved approaches enable arecipient to provide a reply message to an initiator. The incoming textmessage can be presented to the recipient with an audio or textualpresentation. Thereafter, a reply text message can be sent back to theinitiator. The recipient can form the reply text message by recording abrief audio message or entering a text message. In the case in which abrief audio message is used, the audio message can be automaticallyconverted to a text message before being transmitted to the initiator.

FIG. 30 is a flow diagram of a message presentation process 3600according to one embodiment of the invention. The message presentationprocess 3600 is performed by an electronic device, such as a mobilecommunication device.

The message presentation process 600 begins with a decision 3602 thatdetermines whether an incoming text message is present. Typically, theincoming text message would be transmitted to the mobile communicationdevice from another communication device. When the decision 3602determines that an incoming text message is not present, then themessage presentation process 3600 awaits such message. Once the decision3602 determines that an incoming text message has been received, adecision 3604 determines whether an audio or text presentation is to beutilized. The decision 3604 can be performed in a variety of differentways. For example, the determination of whether to utilize an audio ortext presentation can be based on user input or can be automaticallydetermined through a use of configuration or preference information orhardware components (e.g., display, speaker, head-set).

When the decision 3604 determines that an audio presentation is to beutilized, the incoming text message is converted 3606 to an audiomessage. For example, a text-to-speech conversion can be performed. Inone embodiment, a user of the electronic device can be permitted tochoose speech characteristics, such as a voice, tone, pace, accent, ormood, for the resulting speech. For example, a user could choose speechcharacteristics by preference settings. In another embodiment, theincoming text message can include or reference speech characteristics sothat the initiator can control or influence speech characteristics. Instill another embodiment, if the text to be converted contains condensedtext (e.g., such as slang or chat language), the resulting speech canpertain to an uncondensed form of the text. The ability to convert fromcondensed text to resulting speech for uncondensed text can befacilitated by pattern matching. For example, in chat language “LOL” canbe converted to an audio message for “lots of love.” In oneimplementation, a table can store audio messages corresponding to chatterms or phrases. In another implementation, a first table would storeuncompressed terms or phrases corresponding to chat terms or phrases,and a second table would store audio messages corresponding to theuncompressed terms or phrases.

After the incoming text message is converted to the audio message, theaudio message is played 3608. Typically, the audio message is played3608 by the mobile communication device for the user. For example, theaudio message can be output to a speaker of the mobile communicationdevice or a headset used therewith. As a result, the user of the mobilewireless communication device receives an audio message even though theincoming message was a text message.

On the other hand, when the decision 3604 determines that a textpresentation is to be utilized, the incoming text message is displayed3610. Here, the incoming text message would be displayed 3610 on adisplay associated with the mobile communication device. Following theblocks 3608 and 3610, the message presentation process 3600 ends.

As discussed above, text-to-speech conversion can be invoked andperformed on an electronic device, which may be a mobile communicationdevice. While text-to-speech conversion, particularly if high quality isdesired, requires substantial processing capabilities, mobile electronicdevices, such as mobile communication devices, given their small formfactor and price competition, tend to have limited processingcapability. Accordingly, in one embodiment, text-to-speech conversioncan be off-loaded from the mobile device. For example, a remote servercomputer can be provided the text message and produce the resultingaudio message, and then supply the audio message to the mobile device.The remote server computer can be a networked server coupled to thenetwork 108. One example of a networked server is a gateway computer fora wireless electronic device, such as a mobile telephone.

FIG. 31 is a flow diagram of a reply message process 3700 according toone embodiment of the invention. The reply message process 3700 isperformed by an electronic device, such as a mobile communicationdevice.

The reply message process 3700 begins with a decision 3702 thatdetermines whether a reply message is to be sent. Typically, the replymessage process 3700 follows the presentation of an incoming textmessage to a user of a mobile communication device. Hence, the replymessage to be sent is a reply to the incoming text message. However, inother embodiments, the reply message to be sent can be merely an initialmessage as opposed to a response to an earlier message.

In any case, when the decision 3702 determines that a reply message isnot to be sent, then the reply message process 3700 ends or simplyawaits the need to send a reply message. On the other hand, when thedecision 3702 determines that a reply message is to be sent, then adecision 3704 determines whether an audio or text message is to beformed. The decision 3704 can be performed in a variety of differentways. For example, the determination of whether to send an audio or textmessage can be based on user input or can be automatically determinedthrough a use of configuration or preference information or hardwarecomponents (e.g., display, speaker, head-set).

When the decision 3704 determines that an audio message is to be formed,then the reply message process 3700 prompts 3706 for an audio message.Here, the prompt 3706 can be directed to the user of the mobilecommunication device. The prompt can be an audio or textual indication.Next, a decision 3708 determines whether an audio message has beenrecorded. When the decision 3708 determines that the audio message hasnot been recorded, then the reply message process 3700 awaits the audiomessage. Once the decision 3708 determines that the audio message hasbeen recorded, then the audio message is converted 3710 to a textmessage. In one embodiment, if the audio message recorded is greaterthan a maximum text message size (e.g., 150 or 160 characters), then theaudio message can be shortened so that the resulting text message doesnot exceed the maximum text message size. One way to shorten the textmessage is to use abbreviations. For example, the words “For example”can be changed to “e.g.”. Such conversion can be again be performed bymatching entries in tables. Another way to shorten is to removenon-essential text. Still another way to shorten is to clip off ortruncate the text message at the maximum text message size. In anotherembodiment, the resulting text message might provide an indication thatit was converted from an audio message. Following the block 3710, thetext message is transmitted 3712 over a wireless network.

Alternatively, when the decision 3704 determines that a text message isto be formed, then a text entry screen is displayed 3714. Next, adecision 3716 determines whether a text message has been entered. Whenthe decision 3716 determines that a text message has not yet beenentered, then the reply message process 3700 awaits entry of the textmessage. Once the text message has been entered, the text message istransmitted 3712 over the wireless network. Following the block 3712,the reply message process 3700 ends.

Although the reply message process 3700 provides for the user to enter acustom text or audio message, it should be understood that the replymessage can alternatively be formed through use of semi-custom orpredetermined reply messages from which the user of the mobilecommunication device can choose. The use of semi-custom or predeterminedreply messages can be achieved as noted above in a number ofembodiments, and can serve to simplify the conversion process.

An exemplary scenario of how message presentation and reply messageprocesses could work according to one implementation of the secondaspect is as follows:

1. From his mobile phone, Bill prepares and sends a text message toTom's mobile phone.

2. Tom is alerted by his mobile phone of an incoming text message, suchas by displaying at least a portion of the text message and/or otherwisenotifying Tom of the text message.

3. Tom's mobile phone can decide whether to present the text message ona display screen of Tom's mobile phone, or to first convert the textmessage to an audio message and then present the audio message to Tom(e.g., play the audio message). Of course, Tom can interact with Tom'smobile phone to assist in making the determination on how to present themessage.

4. Thereafter, if desired, Tom can prepare and send a reply message backto Bill. This reply message can be prepared initially as a text messageor an audio message. Tom's mobile phone and/or Tom can determine whetherthe reply message is initially prepared as a text message or as an audiomessage. If an audio message is initially created, such audio messagemust be converted to a text message prior to transmission. Eventually,the reply message is sent to Bill as a text message. Tom's mobile phonecan assist with the creation of the reply message through use of custom,semi-custom or predetermined reply message from which Tom and/or Tom'smobile phone can choose.

5. If Tom is using a head-set with his mobile phone, then an audiomessage may be more convenient, assuming that Tom wants to provide aparticular (i.e., customized) message to Bill. The head-set allows Tomto easily record a brief audio message. Less conveniently, the head-setcan be used to present a list of predetermined audio messages and allowTom's selection therefrom by a button or voice-command.

6. If Tom is not using a head-set, then a text message response might bemore suitable. This would typically require that Tom's mobile phone havea display and a keypad. Even so, without a head-set, Tom could stillrecord an audio message, though such would likely be less convenient.

7. Tom can also not provide a reply message and simply not respond tothe incoming text message. Alternatively, Tom can configure his mobilephone to automatically produce and send a reply message based on usersettings or preferences, position, configuration, status, etc.

In this aspect of the invention, the calling party and the called partyoften use mobile communication devices, such as mobile phones. However,the parties can alternatively use other electronic devices, such as aPDA, a computer, etc.

The advantages of the different embodiments exemplified by FIGS. 30-31are numerous. Different embodiments or implementations may yielddifferent advantages. One advantage is that communications for users ofelectronic devices can be flexibly provided. Another advantage is thatcommunication mode changes can be performed at an electronic device tobetter suit the needs or condition of the electronic device or userpreferences. Still another advantage is that conversion of an audiomessage to a text message facilitates use a low cost network (such asthe SMS network). Another advantage is reduced network bandwidth load.Yet still another advantage is that the sender can get back a message inthe same format as they sent the original message, though the recipientmay use the message in a different format or mode (e.g., recipient hearsthe text message as an audio message).

Moreover, it should be noted that with regards to any of the embodimentsin which a voice call or a text message is incoming to an electronicdevice, not only can the user of the mobile device take an action (e.g.,button press or voice-command) to decline the call/message but also theelectronic device itself can automatically decline the call/message suchthat the user is not disturbed. For example, an electronic device can beconfigured through user settings (e.g., preferences) to declinecalls/messages matching certain criteria. Also, an auto reply messagecan be configured to be automatically sent in response to thecall/message. For a known, undesired marketing caller/message sender,the electronic device can automatically send a reply message demandingthe sender not to call or send messages anymore, and to remove yourinformation from their database.

Text messages received or sent can optionally embed indications ofspeech characteristics to be used, should the text message be convertedto an audio format. The speech characteristics can pertain to voice,tone, pace, accent, and/or mood. The speech characteristics for theresulting speech can be set in preference or configuration information,set on a per message basis by users, or set by evaluation of monitoreddata pertaining to the user.

Additionally, the messages being transmitted can be encrypted forsecurity purposes.

In one embodiment, an electronic device performing communications usingaudio and/or text messages according to the invention can furtherintegrate (or have tethered thereto) one or more electrical componentsfor enhancing the hearing of the user of the electronic device. Theelectronic device will normally include a microphone and a speaker. Inany case, additional details on hearing enhancement are furtherdescribed, for example, in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/620,238, filed Oct. 18, 2004, and entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH HEARINGENHANCED AND OTHER AUDIO SIGNAL-GENERATING CAPABILITIES,” which ishereby incorporated herein by reference;

A number of embodiments described herein can be considered an automatedsecretary for a user of an electronic device. The automated secretarycan completely or partially respond to an incoming call/message so as toreduce disturbances to the user. The user can personalize the automatedsecretary through user settings (e.g., preferences), or the automatedsecretary can learn over time how to handle different incomingcalls/messages. Besides handling or assisting the user with incomingcalls/messages, the automated secretary can also assist with otheractivities, such as making calendar entries (e.g., meetings) in acalendar or responding to incoming callers/messages with relevantinformation pertaining to the user's schedule as maintained by thecalendar (though the user could restrict such access to certaininformation and/or inquiring parties). For example, if an incoming textmessage asks “available for lunch today?”, the automated secretary cancheck the user's availability for lunch by way of the user's calendar,then if the user is not available the automated secretary can quicklyinforming the inquiring party of same or propose another date. On theother hand, if the lunch time period is available in the user'scalendar, then the automated secretary can either directly respond tothe inquiring party of acceptance or propose a response to the user forreview, modification and/or transmission.

Furthermore, the embodiments implementations and features described in:(i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/509,631, filed Oct. 9, 2003,and entitled “TETHERED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES,” which ishereby incorporated herein by reference; and (ii) U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application 60/462,591, filed Apr. 15, 2003, and entitled“EYEGLASSES FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION,” which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference; (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/964,011,filed Oct. 12, 2004, and entitled “TETHERED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOREYEGLASSES,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (iv)U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/822,218, filed Apr. 12, 2004, andentitled “EYEGLASSES FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference, can be used with the variousembodiments, implementations, features and aspects of the inventionnoted above. For example some or all of the processing noted above withrespect to FIGS. 25-31 can be performed in electrical componentsintegral or tethered to eyeglasses. However, the electrical componentsintegral or tethered to eyeglasses can also interact and/or shareprocessing tasks with an electrical device (e.g., mobile telephone, PDA,etc.) located proximate thereto.

It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that a number ofembodiments performing communications using voice as well as audioand/or text messages can be implemented using voice over InternetProtocol technologies, with signals delivered over the Web. For example,a calling party's communication or mobile device can include an adapterto convert voice signals to data packets before sending them over theInternet. A service provider can convert the packets back into voicesignals before sending the voice signals to the called party'scommunication device. Similarly, embodiments can be implemented usingvoice over wireless protocols, such as Wi-Fi or Wi-Max networks. Usingsuch technologies, computing devices can become communication devices.

As explained, in a number of embodiments, the glasses include a switch,which typically is at least partially embedded in the glasses. Forexample, the switch can be used to turn the speaker on, or to tune thefrequency of a radio. If the glasses have two speakers, such as one oneach of the temples, there can be two switches, one on each temple tocontrol the corresponding speaker. The two speakers can be forgenerating stereo audio signals for the user. There can also be onecontrol switch for both speakers.

The switch in the glasses can have different attributes. It can beactivated by different type of forces, including mechanical, radiation,magnetic, electrical, and temperature. The switch can also be activatedremotely by a remote device. The switch can be based on one or moredetectors. The switch can have different degrees or ranges of control,such as binary, multiple discrete steps or incremental control. Theswitch can be placed at different position on the glasses, such as onthe side or top surface of a temple or at a joint. The control can takeperception into consideration, such as based on texture, height andlateral position of multiple switches.

FIG. 32 illustrates a number of forces 4150 activating the switchaccording to different embodiments of the invention. They can be basedon, for example, mechanical 4152, radiation 4154, magnetic 4156,electrical 4158, and temperature 4160.

FIG. 33 illustrates a number of mechanical forces 4152 activating theswitch according to different embodiments of the invention. Themechanical switch or sensor can be a conductive-elastomer switch 4202, amembrane switch 4204, a dome switch 4206, a relatively simple wireswitch 4208, and a roller switch 4210, such as a switch including awheel. Another type of mechanical force can be based on stress 4211,such as a switch based on piezoelectric force or a piezoelectric device.

In yet another embodiment, the mechanical switch is made so that theelectrical circuitry in the glasses can be activated but not deactivatedby the user. In other words, once activated, the switch is designed notto be deactivated by the user, and the circuit will remain on till thepower source inside the glasses is depleted. One approach to implementsuch a switch is based on a piece of insulating material 4216 between aterminal of, for example, a battery and its contact with the circuitembedded in the glasses. When the battery is installed, at least one ofits terminals is separated from its circuit contact. There can be athin, flexible, insulating material, 4216, such as a ribbon, positionedbetween the terminal and the contact. Though the circuit is embedded inthe glasses, the insulating material 4216 extends outwardly from insidethe glasses through a hole, such as a small hole, in the side wall of,for example, a temple of the glasses. In one embodiment, the hole orslot is located above or below the terminal and the contact, or the holeis not directly inline with the terminal and the contact. By pulling theinsulating material out from the glasses, the terminal will establishelectrical connection with the contact, activating the circuit andturning the speaker on.

In another embodiment of a switch based on mechanical force 4152, themechanical force is the force that is used to insert 4218 a battery intothe glasses. Once the battery is inserted, the speaker in the glasseswill be activated. The speaker will remain on until the battery isremoved, or until the power in the battery is drained.

The switch can also be activated by radiation 4154, or energies in atype of radiation, according to a number of embodiments of theinvention. The radiation 4154 can be in the optical, or infrared orultraviolet range. For example, the switch includes a photodiode orphoto sensor in the glasses, and there is an opening above thephotodiode. In one embodiment, the diode is activated by light gettingto the diode through the opening. In another embodiment, the circuit isactivated if the opening is covered to prevent light from getting to thediode.

The switch can be activated by magnetic forces 4156. For example, therecan be a magnetic sensor or a Hall effect detector inside a templeproximate to a joint of a pair of glasses. FIG. 34 shows a section of apair of glasses 4250 with such a detector 4254. The detector 4254 iselectrically connected to a printed circuit board 4255. When the temple4252 is in its extended position, as when the glasses 4250 are ready tobe worn, the detector 4254 will be directly adjacent to a magnet 4256inside a lens holder 4258 at the corresponding joint 4260. The magnet4256 would activate the Hall effect detector 4254. In anotherembodiment, a magnetic switch is activated based on changing theinductance of a coil. For example, the switch includes a steel rod thatcan be positioned in or out of a coil. The switch's range of control isbased on the position of the rod with respect to the coil.

The switch can be activated depending on electrical forces 4158. In oneembodiment, the electrical force depends on capacitive effect. Bychanging the capacitance, the switch is turned on and off. For example,the capacitance is changed by placing one's finger over a metallic pad.In another example, by changing the amount of overlap between twometallic sheets that are not in contact, the capacitance between the twometallic sheets will change. This then changes the range of control ofthe switch.

In another embodiment, the electrical force 4158 is based on resistiveeffect. For example, the switch is made up of a slide or a rotarypotentiometer. By changing the amount of coupling, the amount ofresistance is changed to reflect the range of control of the switch.

In one embodiment, the switch's activation can depend on temperature4160. For example, the switch includes a temperature sensor. When thetemperature reaches a certain point, the switch is activated.

In yet another embodiment, the switch is controlled by a remotecontroller. For example, the glasses include an infrared detector. Theremote controller can generate infrared radiation. By aiming thecontroller at the detector, the infrared radiation can activate theinfrared detector and the switch is activated. Or, if the user movesinto the vicinity of a corresponding infrared transmitter, circuits inthe glasses would be activated.

The switch can include one or more previously-described sensor ordetector of different types of forces. For example, the switch can usetwo photo sensors. One sensor is exposed to light on the outside surfaceof the temple and the other is exposed to light on the inside surface ofthe temple, such as close to the ear. Based on their differentialoutput, the switch is activated. As another example, there are twotemperature sensors in the glasses. One is located close to a joint andthe other is at the temple close to the ear. Again, the switching actiondepends on their differential outputs. In yet another embodiment, theglasses include more than one type of switch. There can be one type ofswitch, such as a mechanical switch, acting as an on/off switch, andanother, such as a switch using electrical forces, as an incrementalswitch to change frequency.

As described, in a number of embodiments, the switch can providedifferent degrees or ranges of control. In one embodiment, there are twodegrees of control, such as in an on/off switch. In another embodiment,there can be multiple discrete degrees, steps or positions. For example,the switch is a roller with discrete notches to indicate differentdiscrete positions. Or, there can be two mechanical switches, placedside-by-side. Pushing one switch will increment one step, and pushingthe other will decrement one step.

In yet another embodiment, the change from one degree to the next isgradual and not noticeably discrete. This can be achieved with 2 sensorsarranged in quadrature. FIGS. 35A-35C show examples of differentembodiments of such a switch based on two photodiodes or photodetectors.

FIG. 35A shows an embodiment 4300 with a wheel 4302 (roller) havingclear strips, 4304, 4306 and 4308, alternating with black strips, 4310,4312 and 4314, and two photodiodes, 4316 and 4318. Most of the wheel4302 and the two diodes, after incorporated into the temple 4320, arecovered by a piece of material 4322. The two diodes, 4316 and 4318, areexposed to ambient light through a clear window 4324. A part of thewheel 4302 is extended out of the temple 4320, allowing the wheel 4302to be turned about its axis 4326. The wheel 4302 can have teeth forfriction turning. As the wheel 4302 rotates about the axis 4326, basedon the differential outputs from the diodes, the direction of movementof the wheel 4302—clockwise or counterclockwise—is determined. Forexample, if the wheel 4302 is rotated clockwise, the top diode 4316senses light before the bottom 4318 senses light. On the other hand, ifthe wheel 4302 is rotated counterclockwise, the bottom diode 4318 senseslight before the top 4316. Based on the signals from the two diodes, onewould be able to tell if the wheel is being turned clockwise orcounterclockwise. Clockwise can denote increase and counterclockwise candenote decrease. This embodiment can be used, for example, to changefrequency. By turning the wheel 4302 clockwise, the frequency of theradio goes up. And, by turning the wheel 4302 counter-clockwise, thefrequency goes down. Such a wheel 4302 is also applicable for otherpurposes, such as controlling the volume of a speaker.

FIG. 35B shows an embodiment 4350 with a wheel 4352 having black 4354and reflecting 4356 strips, two photodiodes, 4358 and 4360, and a LED4362. Again, most of the wheel, the two diodes and the LED are coveredby a sheet of material 4364. If a reflecting strip 4356, instead of ablack strip 4354, goes over a diode, more light from the LED will bereflected back and received by the diode. If a black strip 4354 goesover a diode, output from the diode will be significantly reduced. Againbased on the signals from the diodes, the direction of rotation can bedetermined, which, in turn, can be used to indicate incrementing ordecrementing outputs.

FIG. 35C shows an embodiment 4400 again using two photodiodes, 4402 and4404, but without a wheel. The two diodes, 4402 and 4404, are exposed toambient light unless they are covered. In this embodiment, whether thefinger 4406 or another object is moving from the first diode 4402 to thesecond diode 4404, or from the second diode 4404 to the first diode 4402can be determined based on the signals from the diodes. For example, thefinger 4406 sliding in a forward direction would trigger a signal fromthe first diode 4402 before the second diode 4404. On the other hand,sliding the finger in a backward direction would trigger a signal fromthe second diode before the first diode. Thus, the outputs from the twodiodes can show the direction of movement of the finger. One can then,for example, assign forward movement (from the first 4402 to the second4404) as increment, and backward movement (from the second 4402 to thefirst 4402) as decrement.

A switch can be placed at different location on a pair of glasses. Inone embodiment, the switch is positioned on one of the side surfaces ofone of the temples, such as the side that is not facing the face of theuser when the glasses are worn. In another embodiment, the switch ispositioned on a top surface of one of the temples. The switch shown inFIG. 1 in paragraph 321 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/647,826 falls under this category. In yet another embodiment, theswitch is positioned at one of the joints or hinges of the glasses. Forexample, there is a mechanical switch at a joint. If the correspondingtemple is extended, as in the position when the glasses are worn, theswitch will be pressed, which can indicate that the switch has beenactivated.

In one embodiment, the user can be using a switch when the glasses areworn. Depending on the position and the type of switch, the user may notbe able to see the switch when he is manipulating it. In one embodiment,the design of the switch takes into consideration perception. Toillustrate, there are two mechanical switches on the glasses. The topsurfaces of the two switches have different texture. One switch has asmooth surface and the other has a rough surface. Pushing the roughsurface implies incrementing one step and pushing the smooth surfaceimplies decrementing one step. This type of perception design is basedon tactile effect. In another example, the heights of the two switchesare different. The taller switch is for one effect and the shorter isfor another. In yet another embodiment, the lateral position of the twoswitches has significance. For example, the two mechanical switches areon the top surface or edge of a temple. By pushing the switch closer tothe lens holder, the volume of the speaker in the glasses goes up; andby pushing the switch further away from the lens holder, the volume ofthe speaker goes down. In another example, the two switches are underthe two ends of a piece of materials, such as a rocker-lever, which canbe plastic. Rocking the plastic piece forward is an increment motion,and rocking the plastic piece backwards is a decrement motion.

The present invention provides different embodiments of glasses that canbe applied to multiple functions. With a user wearing such a pair ofglasses, it would be more difficult for a third party to know thespecific function or reason the user is wearing the glasses for.Regarding the locations of the electrical components for the multiplefunctions, different embodiments range from all of the components in theglasses to the glasses primarily functioning as a headset.

FIG. 36 shows one embodiment of the invention with a pair of glasses5100 having speakers. The glasses 5100 include a first lens holder 5102and a second lens holder 5104. Both lens holders are for receivinglenses. The first lens holder 5102 has a first side and a second side.The second lens holder 5104 also has a first side and a second side. Thepair of glasses has a bridge element 5106. The bridge element 5106 iscoupled to the first side of the first lens holder 5102 and the secondside of the second lens holder 5104. In one embodiment, the lens holdersand the bridge element are not separate pieces, but are an integralpiece.

The pair of glasses 5100 also includes a first temple 5108 and a secondtemple 5110. The first temple 5108 is pivotally secured to the secondside of the first lens holder 5102 through a joint. And, the secondtemple 5110 is pivotally secured to the first side of the second lensholder 5104 through another joint.

In a number of embodiments, the glasses include one or more electricalcomponents partially or fully embedded in the glasses. An electricalcomponent can be a resistor, capacitor, inductor, transistor or otherelectrical part, other than just a conductor or a wire allowing currentto flow between or among electrical components. An electrical componentcan also be more complicated such as an electrical circuit or anintegrated circuit.

FIG. 36 shows one embodiment of the glasses 5100 with electricalcomponents that include two speakers, each at least partially embeddedin the glasses. The speakers can be used to enhance the hearing of theuser wearing the glasses. In one example, each speaker, such as speaker5112, is in one of the temples, such as temple 5110, of the glasses5100. Each speaker is closer to one end of the temple than the otherend. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 36 , each speaker is closer to theend of the temple that is in the vicinity of the lens holder or thehinge or the joint of the glasses, instead of the end that is typicallynot attached to a hinge. The end of a temple that is typically notattached to a hinge can be known as the free end of that temple. Thespeakers can be partially embedded in the glasses. For example, themouth of each speaker, where audio signals propagate from and wheresometimes there are small holes on a sheet of material, can be exposedand not totally covered up by the temple.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 36 , both speakers are embedded in theglasses, and the speakers output audio signals in the outward direction.In another embodiment, the speakers output audio signals in the inwarddirection. For example, the output of the speakers can be facinginwards, towards the user.

The speakers can be embedded in the glasses in a number of ways. Forexample, each speaker can be first assembled onto or electricallycoupled to a circuit board, which includes additional electricalcomponents for the glasses. The glasses can be made of plastic (e.g.,plastic frames). With the corresponding speaker, each circuit board canbe shaped to fit, for example, into a temple of the glasses. Eachcircuit board with a speaker is placed into a mold. Then, hot, moltenplastic is injection molded around each circuit board with the speakerto form the two temple pieces of the glasses. To reduce weight, the wallof the glasses can be made relatively thin through injection moldingtechniques.

In another embodiment, the glasses have metallic frames. For example,the frames can be made of Titanium, which is a relatively light metal.Also, Titanium is relatively non-conductive and strong, and is quiteimmune to corrosion. Further, Titanium can be anodized or heat colored.

For glasses with metallic frames, to prevent circuits from being shortedor to reduce leakage current, one embodiment provides an insulatinglayer between a circuit board in the glasses and the correspondingmetallic frame. One example of an insulting layer is a tape toencapsulate the electrical components. The tape is non-conducting so asto provide insulation and, to a certain degree, can also providemechanical stiffness. One way to make such a temple is to have twosheets of the metal die-stamped to form the two halves, or the two facesof a temple piece. A circuit board with a speaker is made to fit intothe space between the faces. Then, two die-cut pieces of tape can coverthe top and the bottom surfaces of the circuit board. The board and thespeaker with the tape are sandwiched between the faces to form thetemple. The tape can be double-sided sticky tapes, with one sidesticking to the circuit board, and the other side sticking to thetemple. An adhesive can be used to glue the two faces of the templepiece together.

In yet another embodiment, the frames are made of hard rubber. Theframes can be manufactured in an approach similar to injection moldingtechniques, with circuit boards and/or speakers inserted into the moldalong with the rubber at the time of molding.

Different types of speakers can be used, such as, standard,fixed-magnet/moving coil speakers; speakers with fixed-coil and a steeldiaphragm; piezo-electric speakers; and electrostatic speakers.

In one embodiment, the glasses further include a tube, such as a plastictube, extending from each speaker, such as tube 5114 from speaker 5112.Each tube serves to guide sound generated by its corresponding speakerto one of the ears of the user. In one embodiment, each tube extendsfrom its speaker to the opening of an ear canal of the user.

FIG. 37 shows an embodiment where a tube 5114 is located on the outsideof a temple 5110. In another embodiment, the tube can be on the insideof a temple.

In one embodiment, a tube can be rotated, such as from along the temple(behind a temple if the tube is on the inside of the temple) to beingdownward at an angle towards one of the ears of the user, such as theposition shown in FIG. 37 . To increase flexibility, the tube can beattached to a rotating disk 5116, which allows rotation about thecorresponding speaker.

In another embodiment, the tube is malleable. This allows the tube to beplaced in different positions.

In one embodiment, the length of the tube is adjustable. FIG. 38 showssuch an embodiment of a pair of glasses with a retractable tube 5118. Inthe figure, the tube is shown to be in its extended position. As anexample, the retractable tube 5118 can be retracted into thecorresponding temple. As another example, the retractable tube 5118 canretract on itself (e.g., telescoping).

In one approach, there also is a plug 5115 at the end of the tube 5114for inserting into an ear of the user, as shown in FIG. 37 . The plug5115 can be an ear bud. The plug 5115 can provide a cushion of foamrubber or other materials. Such materials give comfort and/or enhancesound coupling to the ear canal.

In one embodiment, each ear bud is individually made based on animpression of the user's corresponding ear canal. In another embodiment,each ear bud is custom fitted into the corresponding ear of the user.

In another approach, there is a funnel at the output of a speaker. FIG.39 shows the cross section of such a funnel from a speaker 5120 at atemple region of the glasses. As shown in FIG. 39 , the speaker 5120sits on a speaker frame 5122, and the speaker 5120 is electricallyconnected to a circuit board 5124. As sound is generated from thespeaker 5120, the sound propagates to a tube 5126 through a structure inthe shape of a funnel 5128. Such a structure can help guide the sound tothe tube 5126 (i.e., improved sound coupling). Also, FIG. 39 shows thetube 5126, which can be the tube 5114 shown in FIG. 37 , mounted ontothe temple region of the glasses with a circular lip 5130. Such a lip5130 allows the tube 5126 to rotate relative to the glasses. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 39 , the speaker 5120 is embedded in theglasses. Also, in FIG. 39 , the tube 5126 is at the front side of thespeaker 5120. In another embodiment, a tube can extend from the backside of the speaker to couple the sound from the speaker to an ear.

In the embodiment of the glasses with two speakers, the two speakers canalso be electrically connected by a conductor or an electrical wire,with the conductor linking the speakers through the glasses, such asthrough the lens holders of the glasses. FIGS. 40A-40B show anembodiment of the wire 5130, with FIG. 40A illustrating a hinge 5132 ofthe glasses in the extended position, and FIG. 40B illustrating thehinge 5132 partially closed. As shown in the two figures, the wire 5130is embedded in a temple 5134 to connect to the speaker in that temple.The wire 5130 extends from the temple 5134 to a lens holder 5136, andthen to the other temple of the glasses to connect to the speaker in theother temple.

Referring back to FIG. 36 , electrical components in the glasses canalso include at least one microphone 5098, which can be located at atemple 5110, closer to the hinge than the free end of that temple 5110.The microphone 5098 receives audio signals. For glasses with hearingenhancement capabilities, the audio signals are modified or enhanced (tobe further described below), and then sent to the speaker(s) in theglasses for the user to hear. In the embodiments that do not includeplugs or ear buds that plug the ear canals of the user, but may stillinclude tubes guiding sound from speakers to each ear, the user can hearboth the enhanced sound based on hearing enhanced electrical componentsand sound directly from the ambient environment.

In another embodiment, there can be two microphones. Each microphonecan, for example, be located close to one hinge of the glasses. Themicrophone close to the left hinge can be electrically connected to thespeaker at the left temple, and the microphone close to the right hingecan be electrically connected to the speaker at the right temple. Theone or more microphones can be directional, more preferential towardssignals in specific directions. For example, the microphone close to theleft hinge can be more preferential towards signals coming from theleft, and the microphone close to the right hinge more preferentialtowards signals from the right.

In one embodiment, to reduce the weight of the glasses and/or to enhancethe ease of aesthetic design of the glasses, some of the electricalcomponents are not in the glasses. Instead, they are in a base or aportable device carried or worn by the user. A number of embodimentsregarding a base have previously been described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/964,011, entitled “TETHERED ELECTRONICCOMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES,” and filed Oct. 12, 2004, which is herebyincorporated by reference. In embodiments with the base, the base istethered, or connected with a wire, to the glasses. In embodiments withthe portable device, the portable device is electronically coupled tothe glasses or to the base (if there is a base) wirelessly or through awired connection.

FIG. 41 shows one embodiment of the invention with a pair of glasses5150 having speakers. The glasses 5150 can be wirelessly coupled to aportable device 5152. In this embodiment, there can also be one or moremicrophones 5154 wirelessly coupled to the glasses. As an example, FIG.41 shows the microphone 5154 in a package that can include a clip 5156to attach the microphone 5154 to a piece of clothing of the user, suchas to one of the lapels on a jacket of the user. In such a wirelessembodiment, the glasses 5150 also include a wireless transceiver forconnection to the portable device 5152 and/or the microphone 5156.

FIGS. 42A-42B show examples of different embodiments illustrating someof the electrical components for wireless connections to, or for awireless transceiver in, a pair of glasses. In FIG. 42A, a highfrequency or RF antenna 5170 wirelessly captures high frequency or RFsignals for RF transceiver circuits 5172. If the transceiver circuitsare for a conventional superheterodyne system, the transceiver circuits5172 mix the RF signals down to IF signals. Then the IF signals areprocessed by baseband circuits to form digital outputs. Digital outputsfrom the baseband circuits are coupled to a processor 5174 for furtherprocessing. The baseband circuits can be incorporated in the processor,or can be separate from and coupled to the processor. Outputs from theprocessor 5174 are fed to a D-to-A converter 5176 to generate audiosignals for a speaker 5178.

Similarly, audio analog signals from a microphone 5180 can be fed to anA-to-D converter 5182 to generate digital signals for the processor 5174and then to the baseband circuits and the RF transceiver circuits 5172.The digital signals are then up-converted by the RF transceiver circuits5172 and wirelessly transmitted by the antenna 5170.

In another embodiment, digital conversion is moved closer to theantenna. For example, instead of mixing RF into IF signals, the RFtransceiver circuits directly perform digital conversion from the RFsignals.

High frequency filters can be used at the front end of the RFtransceiver circuits for the RF signals. In one embodiment, to savespace, FBAR (film bulk acoustic resonator) duplexer is employed. A setof piezoelectric filters can be used to separate incoming and outgoingsignals. For cell phone operation (which will be further describedbelow), such filters can enable a user to hear and speak simultaneously.

FIG. 42B shows another example of some of the electrical components inor tethered to a pair of glasses for wireless connections. Thisembodiment does not depend on digitizing signals. A speaker 5190 and amicrophone 5192 are connected to an analog interface circuit 5194, whichis coupled to a RF transceiver circuit 5196 and an antenna 5198. For thespeaker application, the transceiver circuit 5196 converts the RFsignals down into IF signals, which are converted by the analoginterface circuit 5194 into analog signals for the speaker 5190.Similarly, for the microphone application, its analog signals areconverted into the IF signals by the analog interface circuit 5194 to beup converted by the RF transceiver circuits 5196 into RF signals for theantenna 5198. These types of wireless connection circuitry are suitable,such as, for simple radios, analog cell phones, CB radios,walkee-talkees, police radios, intercom systems, or hearing enhancementapplications.

Note that in the above examples shown in FIGS. 41A-41B, signals from themicrophones are transmitted by a wired connection, instead of a wirelessconnection.

As described above, in different embodiments, some of the electricalcomponents are not in the glasses. Instead, they are in a base or aportable device, which can be carried by the user. The portable devicecan be electrically coupled to the glasses through a wired connection.In such approaches, the glasses also include at least one connector toreceive an electrical wire from the base or the portable device. Theconnector can be at the free end of one of the temples of the glasses,or the connector can be at another location of the glasses. Differenttypes of standard or non-standard connectors can be used and havepreviously been described in U.S. Provisional Application No.60/583,169, filed on Jun. 26, 2004, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

In one embodiment, a standard cylindrical plug connector is located atone end of a temple. From a different perspective, the temple moldsaround the end of the plug. FIG. 43 shows one such embodiment. The plug5220 can be a standard audio connector or a 3-wire or three terminalplug, such as a 3.5 mm male stereo mini-phone plug. The 3 wires for sucha plug are typically one for ground, the other two applicable for twosignals, such as signals for two speakers to create stereo effects. FIG.43 also shows the three wires 5222, 5224 and 5226, inside the temple,extended from the plug 5220. These wires are for connection toelectrical components in the glasses.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical plug 5220 shown in FIG. 43 can becovered, such as with a cap or a cover, to protect, encapsulate orshroud the plug 5220. Or, at least a portion of the plug is covered.Such covering can be for esthetic reasons, or can be to prevent the plug5220 from scratching the face of the user (if the plug has relativelysharp edges) when the user is putting on the pair of glasses.

Instead of a three terminal plug, other types of standard cylindricalplugs applicable to different embodiments of the present inventioninclude, for example, a serial connector with 3 pins, typically one forground, one for transmitting data (Tx) and the third for receiving data(Rx); or a 2-wire connector, one served as ground, the other forcarrying signals, such as power and modulated signals.

Instead of a standard connector, a connector can be a non-standardconnector. FIG. 36 shows a non-standard connector 5113 at the free endof one of the temples 5110. Instead of having a connector at the freeend of a temple, a connector can be at another location of the glasses.FIG. 44 shows an example of a non-standard connector 5230. The connector5230 includes one or more conductive pads, 5232 and 5234, on the topside of a temple 5236. The connector 5230 is designed to receive anotherconnector 5240 that grabs onto or attaches around the side of thetemple. There can be an indentation 5242 on the temple 5236 to receivethe other connector 5240. The other connector 5240 can include a top5244 and a bottom 5246 clip. There are a number of conductive pads orsheets inside the other connector 5240. The indentation 5242 providesalignment for connection. When attachment is at the indentation 5242,the conductive pads, 5232 and 5234, at the temple 5236 will be incontact with the conductive pads or sheets in the other connector 5240.There can also be another indentation 5248 at the temple 5236 to receivethe bottom clip 5246. This can further enhance the alignment process andassist with securing the connection.

In FIG. 44 , the other connector 5240 is tethered to a plug 5250, whichcan be inserted into a portable device 5252. The portable device 5252,for example, can be a cell phone. The portable device can includepersonal digital assistant (PDA) functionalities. This type ofnon-standard clip-type connector could be relatively easily applied tothe temple with one hand, for example, while the user is driving a car.

In the wired embodiment shown in FIG. 44 , a microphone does not have tobe in the glasses. As shown in FIG. 44 , a microphone 5254 can beattached to the wire 5256 that connects the glasses to the portabledevice 5252.

FIG. 45 shows one embodiment of the invention with a pair of glasses5260 having a microphone 5262 coupled to a wire. The wire is connectedto a portable device 5264 through a plug 5266, and to the glasses 5260through a jack 5268. The portable device 5264 can be in a shirt pocketas shown. There can also be a clip 5265 to attach the wire to an articleof clothing worn by the user.

In one embodiment, the glasses include electrical components for hearingenhancement functionalities. The electrical components enhance audiosignals, such as audio signals received by a microphone at the glasses.Then the enhanced signals are sent to the speakers for the user to hear.In one embodiment, the hearing-enhancing electrical components include aprocessor. The processor can be the processor 5174 shown in FIG. 42A. Inthis embodiment, the hearing-enhancing functionalities are performedthrough digitizing the corresponding audio signals. Then the processor,using digital signal processing techniques, operates on the digitizedsignals, such as boosting specific frequency bands.

In another embodiment, the hearing enhancing functionalities areprovided by analog filter circuits. For example, analog filter circuits,using analog processing techniques, operate on the audio signals, suchas boosting specific frequency bands.

In one embodiment, one hearing enhancement function includes amplifyingthe audio signals received in a frequency range between 500 Hz to 8 kHz.Typically, a user's hearing impairment is not the same across all audiofrequencies. For example, in English, the user might be able to easilypick up the sound of vowels, but not the sound of consonants, such as“S” and “P”. FIG. 46 shows a number of embodiments regardingfrequency-dependent amplification of the received audio signals.

One approach for frequency-dependent amplification focuses on amplifyingthe higher audio frequency ranges. This approach assumes that hearingdegradation typically starts at the higher audio frequencies, such asabove 2 to 3 kHz. Hearing may need more assistance at the higher audiofrequency range. For example, the audio signals received by a microphonecan be amplified by 30 dB in the frequency range from 2 kHz to 4 kHz. Oraround the entrance of the ear, the audio signals in that frequencyrange can be amplified to reach sound pressure level (“SPL”) to about 80dB. For lower audio frequencies, such as below 2 kHz, the amplificationcan be lower, such as 10 dB. Or for frequencies lower than 500 Hz, themaximum SPL does not have to be higher than 55 dB.

Another frequency-dependent amplification approach focuses on amplifyingan audio frequency range that typically contains most of the informationin everyday communication. For example, about 70% of the information ineveryday human communication can be within the frequency range of 1 to 2kHz. The frequency range that is selected to be amplified can be such afrequency range. Other frequency ranges are not selected foramplification.

There are benefits in embodiments where the ear canal remains open, withno plug inserted into the ear. For example, the user can be hearing theaudio signals directly from the sender (i.e., without assistanceprovided by the hearing enhancement electrical components). If theembodiments further implement frequency-dependent amplification, forfrequencies not within the ranges selected for amplification, the usercan hear those signals directly from the sender. Lower frequencies, suchas those below 2 kHz, are typically louder. Also, frequencies in therange, such as from 2000-3000 Hz, are typically in the natural resonanceof the ear canal, which is typically around 2700 Hz. As a result, theintensity of these frequencies would be increased by about 15 dB.Further, with no plug inserted into the ear, there is typically noocclusion effect due to, for example, the user's own voice.

However, in embodiments with the ear canal not plugged/blocked/covered,signal processing speed of the frequency enhancement electricalcomponents can be important. In such embodiments, the user can behearing the audio signals both from the sender and the glasses'speakers. To prevent echoing effect, signal processing speed for hearingenhancement cannot be too low. Typically, the user would not be able todistinguish two identical sets of audio signals if the difference inarrival times of the two signals is below a certain delay time, such as10 milliseconds. In one embodiment, the hearing enhancement signalprocessing speed is faster than such a delay time.

In one embodiment, the user has the option of manually changing theamplification of the system. The system can have a general volumecontroller that allows the user to adjust the output power of thespeaker. This adjustment can also be across certain frequency bands. Forexample, there can be three volume controls, each for a selectedfrequency band.

In another approach, amplification across frequencies is tailored to thehearing needs of the user. This tailoring can be performed throughcalibration. FIG. 47 shows a number of embodiments regarding calibrationof a user's hearing, for example, across various frequencies and/or fordifferent amount of amplification. Calibration enables the glasses todetermine (e.g., estimate) the hearing sensitivity of the user. Throughcalibration, the user's hearing profile can be generated.

The user can perform the calibration by himself/herself. For example,the audio frequencies are separated into different bands. The glassesgenerate different SPL at each band. The specific power level that theuser feels most comfortable would be the power level for that band.Alternatively, the glasses could generate different tones in differentfrequency bands. The user could compare the tones and rate the perceivedloudness. In this process, the glasses can prompt the user and lead himthrough the process interactively. Based on the measurements, theglasses could create a calibration curve, which becomes the personalhearing profile for that user. After calibration, signals received indifferent bands, such as by a microphone in the glasses, will beamplified or attenuated according to the hearing profile.

In another embodiment, calibration can be done through a web site. Theweb site can guide the user through the calibration process. The usercan be sitting in front of a computer terminal that is connected throughthe Internet to the web site. The terminal includes a headset thatproduces audio sounds. Alternatively, the user could be wearing theglasses that are connected through a cable to the sound card of thecomputer. The headset (or the glasses) generates different SPL atdifferent frequency bands to test the user's hearing. The specific powerlevel that the user feels most comfortable would be the power level atthat band for the user. After testing is done for all of the bands,based on the power levels for each band, the web site creates and storesthe user's personal hearing profile. Alternatively, the calibrationprocedure could be done off-line, with software provided on a storagedevice, such as a disc. The software could be installed on the user'scomputer. After installation, the software can guide the user throughthe calibration process.

Note that the different calibration processes can also be done by athird party, such as an audiologist, for the user.

The user's hearing profile, which typically is represented as digitaldata, can be stored in the glasses, in a base, or in a portable device.After calibration, the hearing profile can be downloaded, from, forexample, the above described terminal, into the glasses wirelessly, suchas through Bluetooth, infrared or other wirelessly interconnectiontechnologies, or through a wired connection. The hearing profile canalternatively be stored in a portable media storage device, such as amemory stick. The memory stick could be inserted into the glasses, thebase, the portable device, or some other audio generating device, whichdesires to access the hearing profile and personalizes the amplificationacross frequencies for the user.

The glasses (or the base, or the portable device) can also periodicallyalert the user for re-calibration. The period can be, for example, oncea year. Also, the calibration can be done in stages so that it is lessonerous and/or less obvious that the user is wearing a hearing enhancingdevice.

In another embodiment, there can be many pairs of glasses. Each pairamplifies the received audio signals in a preset frequency range by apreset amount. For example, two pairs amplify two respectively differentpreset frequency ranges by 20 dB. In another set, each pair providesdifferent amount of amplification for the received audio signals in thesame preset frequency range. For example, the different amount ofamplification ranges from 20 to 40 dB at 5 dB intervals for the presetfrequency range of 2500 to 4000 Hz. At a store, a consumer can try outdifferent glasses with different preset amplifications at the same ordifferent preset frequency ranges, before buying the one the consumerprefers.

In another embodiment, there is an assortment of standard hearingprofiles, such as 20 or so. The user would just pick the one that soundsbest.

If the glasses include hearing enhancement capabilities, the hearingenhancement functions might be on continuously for a long duration oftime, power consumption can be an issue. In yet another embodiment, theglasses also include electrical components that are for managing powerconsumption of other electrical components in the glasses, such as thecomponents to enhance hearing or other functionalities in the glasses.The electrical component can be a power controller, a microprocessor, orthe processor 5174 in FIG. 42A. Such glasses can include powermanagement software applications/processes to manage power consumptionof the glasses.

FIG. 48 shows a number of embodiments for managing power consumption ofthe glasses. One embodiment includes a manual on/off switch, whichallows the user to manually turn off the electrical components in theglasses as he desires. The on/off switch may not have to be on theglasses. It can be on a base or a portable device tethered to theglasses.

The operation of the electrical components can be on-demand. Forexample, the on/off switch can be voice activated. The glasses aretrained to recognize specific recitation, such as specific sentences orphrases, and/or the user's voice. To illustrate, when the user sayssentences like any of the following, the hearing enhancementcapabilities would be automatically turned from the sleep mode to theactive mode: What did you say? Louder. You said what?

In another embodiment of on-demand power management, the glasses canidentify noise (e.g., background noise), as opposed to audio signalswith information. To illustrate, if the audio signals across broad audiofrequency ranges are flat (not deviate more than a preset thresholdamount), the glasses could assume that the received audio signals arenoise. In another approach, if the average SPL of the received audiosignals is below a certain level, such as 40 dB, the glasses wouldassume that there are no audio signals worth amplifying. In yet anotherembodiment, when the amplitude or the power level of the received audiosignals is below a certain threshold for a duration of time, at leastsome of the electrical components in the glasses can be deactivated.This duration of time can be adjustable, and can be, for example, 10seconds or 10 minutes. In another approach, only when thesignal-to-noise ratio of the audio signals in the ambient is above apreset threshold, would the deactivated electrical components beactivated (i.e., awakened from the sleep mode, the reduced power mode orthe standby mode). In any case, to deactivate, the glasses or thehearing enhancement capabilities can be placed into a sleep mode, areduced power mode or a standby mode.

Another approach to manage power consumption can make use of adirectional microphone. This approach can improve the signal-to-noiseratio. The gain at specific directions of such a microphone can be 20 dBhigher than omni-directional microphones. The direction of thedirectional microphone can vary with application. However, in oneembodiment, the direction of the directional microphone can be pointingforward or outward away from the user. The assumption is that the usertypically faces the sender of the message, and thus it is the audiosignals in front of the user that should be enhanced.

In yet another embodiment of power management, the amplification of theglasses on at least a range of frequencies depends on the ambient powerlevel, or the noise level of the environment of the glasses. Oneapproach to measure the noise level is to measure the average SPL atgaps of the audio signals. For example, a person asks the user thefollowing question, “Have you left your heart in San Francisco?”Typically, there are gaps between every two words or between sentencesor phrases. The glasses measure, for example, the root mean square(“rms”) value of the power in each of the gaps, and can calculateanother average among all of the rms values to determine the noiselevel. In one embodiment, the glasses increase the amplification so asto ensure that the average power of the output audio signals by itsspeaker(s) is higher than the noise level by a certain degree. Forexample, the average SPL of the output audio signals from the glasses is20 dB above the noise level.

In another embodiment, if the average power level of the environment orthe ambient noise level is higher than a preset threshold value, signalamplification is reduced. This average power level can include all theaudio signals received by, such as the microphone(s) of the glasses. Therationale is that if the environment is very noisy, it would bedifficult for the user to hear the audio signals from the other personanyway. As a result, the glasses should not keep on amplifying the audiosignals independent of the environment. To illustrate, if the averagepower level of the environment is more than 75 dB, hearing enhancementamplification is reduced, such as to 0 dB.

In yet another embodiment, the glasses further include automaticactivation/deactivation mechanism controlled by a sensor that determineswhether the user is wearing the eyeglasses. A number of such being-wornsensor embodiments have previously been described, such as in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/078,855, filed Mar. 11, 2005, entitled,“EYEWEAR WITH RADIATION DETECTION SYSTEM,” which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

A number of embodiments have been described on hearing enhancement. Inother embodiments, at least one electrical component in the glasses isfor generating audio signals that do not originate from signals capturedby the microphone(s) in the glasses. These audio signals can be known asother audio signals. FIG. 49 shows different embodiments of the sourcesof such other audio signals. These signals can originate from relativelyprivate sources or public sources.

In one example of signals from private sources, the other audio signalsoriginate from a phone call received by the glasses. Such a pair ofglasses can include wireless communications electrical components of aphone. The phone can be a mobile telephone, a cordless phone, a speakerphone, a CB radio, a walkee-talkee, an intercom system or other types ofphone. The wireless communications electrical components can be locatedin at least one of the temples of the glasses. Some of the electricalcomponents of the phone can be in a base or in a portable device wiredor wirelessly coupled to the glasses. The glasses can pick up signalsfrom a caller, and the speaker(s) in the glasses produce the audiosignals, or a representation of the audio signals, from the caller.

There can be an operation indicator on the frame of the glasses toindicate that there is an incoming call. The indicator can be based on,for example, sound, light or vibration. In one embodiment, theindication is based on light, and is located on the inside of a templeclose to the hinge of that temple. Such an operation indicator can beimplemented in a variety of ways, such as with a light emitting diode(LED). There can be one LED coupling to more than one optical fiber,with each optical fiber guiding the light from the LED to differentareas of the frame. In the case of a LED, the operation indicator is alight source, and can produce light of the color of the LED. In anotherembodiment, the operation indicator could represent a small textdisplay, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The indicator can alsobe a signal light.

In one embodiment, activation/deactivation of the phone is based onwhether an incoming call is present. For example, on receiving anincoming call, the glasses can automatically activate (or wake-up) toengage in wireless communication. Activation/deactivation can also betriggered by a button provided on the frame of the glasses. The buttoncan serve to accept or drop a call. One advantage of providingactivation/deactivation is that the glasses are able to be power managedso that power consumption is reduced and the life of power sources, suchas battery life, is extended.

FIG. 50 is a flow diagram of call processing 5300 according to oneembodiment of the invention. The call processing is performed usingglasses disclosed in different embodiments that have wirelesscommunication capabilities. For example, the glasses can be based on theglasses shown in FIG. 36 or 44 .

The call processing begins with a decision 5302 that determines whethera call is incoming. When the decision determines that a call is notincoming, then the call processing waits for such a call. Once thedecision 5302 determines that a call is incoming, the glasses areactivated 5308. Here, the wireless communications capability of theglasses is activated (e.g., powered-up, enabled, or woken-up). The userof the glasses is then notified 5310 of the incoming call. In oneembodiment, the notification to the user of the incoming call can beachieved by an audio sound, such as a ringer, produced by the glasses(via a speaker). Alternatively, the user of the glasses could benotified by a vibration (such as by a base tethered to the glasses), ora visual (e.g., light) indication provided by the glasses.

A decision 5312 then determines whether the incoming call is to beanswered. For example, the user can push a button to indicate that theuser wants to answer the call. When the decision 5312 determines thatthe incoming call is not to be answered, the glasses can activate avoice message informing the caller to leave a message 5314 orinstructing the caller as to the unavailability of the recipient.

On the other hand, when the decision 5312 determines that the incomingcall is to be answered, the call can be answered 5316 at the glasses.The user of the glasses is accordingly able to communicate 5320 with thecaller by way of the glasses and, thus, in a hands-free manner.

A decision 5322 then determines whether the call is over (completed).When the decision 5322 determines that the call is not over, the callprocessing returns to repeat the operation 5320 and subsequentoperations so that the call can continue. On the other hand, when thedecision 5322 determines that the call is over, then the glasses can bedeactivated 5324, and the call is ended. The deactivation 5324 of theglasses can place the glasses in a reduced-power mode. For example, thedeactivation 5324 can power-down, disable, or sleep the wirelesscommunication capabilities (e.g., circuitry) of the glasses. Followingthe operations, the call processing for the particular call ends.

In an embodiment where the glasses operate as a wireless headset of aportable device (e.g. a cell phone), a wireless link can be establishedbetween the headset and the portable device if the incoming call is tobe answered. The wireless link is, for example, a radio communicationlink such as utilized with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi networks. Thereafter,communication information associated with the call can be exchanged overthe wireless link. The portable device receives the incoming call, andcommunicates wirelessly to the glasses such that communicationinformation is provided to the user via the glasses. When the decisiondetermines that the call is over and the glasses are deactivated, thewireless link is also ended 5326.

Regarding the hearing enhancing capabilities described, in oneembodiment, when there is an incoming call, hearing enhancedcapabilities are deactivated, and the glasses receives the incomingcall. In another embodiment, when the user wants to receive the incomingcall, one or more embodiments of the hearing enhanced capabilitiesenhance the audio signals from the incoming call.

One advantage of cell phones is that you can make calls anywhere you canget a signal. However, one disadvantage is that you might be making acall in a noisy environment. In one embodiment, the glasses also includeelectrical components for noise cancellation. Such noise cancellationfunctionalities can be activated during a phone conversation.

In one approach, noise cancellation is achieved through a first and asecond directional microphones. The first one points at the user'smouth, and the second one points away. For example, the first one can beat one of the hinges as shown in FIG. 36 , whose directionality favorssound arriving from the user. There can also be a tube from the firstmicrophone to or towards the mouth of the user, to guide the sound fromthe mouth to the microphone. The second microphone can be in thevicinity of the other hinge, whose directionality favors sound arrivingin front of or outside of the user. Signals received from the secondmicrophone are subtracted from signals received from the firstmicrophone before the audio signals are further processed fortransmission as the message from the user.

Referring back to FIG. 49 , other examples of audio signals originatingfrom private sources include the other audio signals originating fromdifferent types of audio players, such as televisions, stereo systems,media asset players, or radios. The audio players can be in the glasses.In other embodiments, at least some of the electrical components of theaudio players can be in a base tethered to the glasses, or in a portabledevice wired or wirelessly coupled to the glasses. For example, theother audio signals can originate from a portable device, which mightproduce, receive or play audio content. The audio content is thentransmitted to the eyeglasses in a wired or wireless manner. Theeyeglasses serve as a receiver of the audio content from the portabledevice and reproduce the audio signals for the user.

The glasses with the call processing ability perform two-waycommunications. In the embodiments of the glasses operating as audioplayers, the glasses perform one-way communications (or at leastsubstantially one-way communications).

As an example of audio player being a stereo system, a pair of glassesincludes electrical components of a headset for wirelessly receivingaudio signals. Assume the user is working in the backyard and the stereosystem is in the living room. The music from the stereo can bewirelessly transmitted to the glasses or to a portable unit carried bythe user, which can re-transmit the music to the glasses wired orwirelessly. The speakers in the glasses can generate the music for theuser to enjoy. Based on this technique, the user can enjoy the musicwithout the need to crank up the volume of the stereo system.

In another example of an audio player, a pair of glasses includes amultimedia asset player, such as a MP3 player.

FIG. 51 shows some of the electrical components for an MP3 player 5340according to one embodiment of the invention. The player 5340 includes aspeaker 5342 and a data bus 5343, which facilitates data transfer among,for example, a processor 5344, a storage device 5345, and acoder/decoder (CODEC) 5346. The processor 5344, which can be amicroprocessor or controller, controls the operation of the player 5340.The storage device 5345 stores the multimedia assets, such as MP3 files,or other types of media data that are appropriately formatted. In oneexample, the MP3 files are digitally encoded songs or other types ofaudio signals. The storage device 5345 can include a number of separatestorage elements. For example, the device 5345 can be a flash memorydevice, or a minidisk device, and a cache, which can improve the accesstime and reduce power consumption of the storage device 5345. Thestorage device 5345 typically also includes a Read-Only Memory (ROM),which stores programs, utilities or processes to be executed in anon-volatile manner. The player 5340 can also include a RAM, such as forthe cache.

Once a media asset, such as a song, is selected to be played, theprocessor 5344 supplies the asset to the CODEC 5346, which decompressesthe asset and produces analog output signals for the speaker 5342. Inone embodiment, the bus 5343 is also coupled to an input/output device5347, which could, for example, allow a user to upload songs in theglasses to an external instrument, such as a computer; or download songsfrom the instrument to the glasses.

There are different approaches to select a song. In one embodiment, themedia assets/songs can be categorized in the asset player. Thecategorization can be based on the names of artists, albums and/orsongs. The categorization can be hierarchical, with multiple levels inthe hierarchy. To illustrate, assume that there are three levels. Thetop level can be the name of a singer; the second level can be the timeperiods when the assets were produced, and the third level can be thenames of the songs. The entries, such as the name of the singer, can beabbreviated. There can be a small display and a control knob to allow auser to scroll down entries in a level. By pushing the knob, the userselects an entry, which can lead the user to a lower level. There can bean entry for moving up a level also. In another embodiment, the displayis a touch-screen display, allowing entries to be entered directly onthe display. In yet another embodiment, entries can be selected based onvoice recognition.

All of the electrical components of the asset player, such as the MP3player, do not have to be fully embedded in the glasses. In oneembodiment, at least a portion of the MP3 player can be coupled to theglasses through a connector at the glasses. FIG. 52 shows a cardconnector 5350 to receive a card 5352, such as a removable media card(e.g., memory card). There can be a cover 5354 to secure the media cardin place after it is inserted into the card connector. The cover 5354can also protect the card once the card is in the card connector. Theconnector 5350 can be, for example, at a broad side of a temple 5356, asshown in the figure. The card can be for an MP3 player. It can be amemory card for a MP3 player, with the speaker of the player in thetemple 5356. The speaker can play the multimedia assets accessed fromthe card through the connector. In another embodiment, some of theelectrical components of the different types of audio players can be ina portable device, wired or wirelessly coupled to the glasses.

FIG. 36 shows two speakers, one speaker at one of the temples. Inembodiments regarding generating other audio signals, the two speakerscan provide stereo effects. There can also be more than one speaker ateach temple. The glasses can provide four or more speakers to give ahigh fidelity sound or a surround sound effect. For example, each templecan include one speaker close to the hinge, and one speaker close to thetip of that temple or its temple tip. In one embodiment, a temple tip isseparable from its temple. In other words, the temple tip is areplaceable part. In another embodiment, a temple tip is an integralpart of its temple. The different speakers can generate differentportions or sections of the sound. Further, if a base or a portableelectronic device is coupled to the glasses, the base or the portableelectronic device can contain another speaker, such as a base or wooferspeaker. Such embodiments enable the glasses to provide a personalhigh-fidelity sound or a surround-sound environment.

In one embodiment, the audio player can be a radio. The glasses includethe electrical components of a radio. There can also be switches on theglasses to control the operation of the radio. For example, one switchis an on/off switch, which can also change the volume of the radio. Thisswitch can be a roller switch or can be based on two switches (one formoving up and the other moving down). Another switch can be a pushbutton, which when pushed will reset the radio to a specific station,such as 88 MHz. A third switch is another push button, which when pushedwill scan up to the next station, relative to the previous station.Different types of control knobs or switches will be further describedbelow.

In one embodiment, the radio is a personalized radio that ispersonalized to the user. For example, the radio keeps track of at leastone preference of the user regarding audio signals from the radioreceived by the user. FIG. 53 shows a process 5375 according to oneembodiment for a personalized radio. Initially, a pair of glassesaccording to the invention receives 5377 a piece of music from a radiostation. That piece of music is stored 5379 in a buffer or a temporarystorage area. This temporary storage area can be in the glasses ortethered/coupled to the glasses. The piece of music is also sent 5381 toa speaker in the glasses.

Assume that the user likes the music. Based on a preference indicator,the user shows his preference. After the glasses receive 5383 anindication that the user likes the music, the glasses determine 5385 thesong corresponding to the indication. That piece of music can then bemoved 5387 from the buffer to a permanent storage area, such as into aflash memory. The beginning and the end of the piece of music can beidentified based on additional information embedded with the piece ofmusic. There can be meta data tied to the music keeping such additionalinformation. With the piece of music stored in the permanent storage,the user can subsequently access it as desired.

There are different ways to determine the song or the content beingplayed by the radio being the one preferred by the user. For example,one way/rule is that when the user pushes a specific button (apreference button) on the glasses or voices his preference, the song (ormedia asset or media file) that is being played at that point in time isthe one the user likes. Since an operating system can be responsible tosend the music to the speaker, the operating system knows what song isbeing played at that time. Based on the rule, the song of preference isdetermined when the button is pushed. Another rule is that when the usershows his preference, and there is no song being played at thatinstance, the song immediately preceding the break is the song ofpreference.

In another embodiment, the glasses can get 5389 an identification forthe song the user likes. For example, the glasses can ask the user toprovide an identification for the piece of music. This identificationcan be the type of music, the name of the singer/artist, the name of themusic, the name of the album or other identification. In anotherembodiment, there can be meta data embedded, such as in the beginningpart of the music (or media asset). Having such meta data embedded isnot uncommon for music in digital format. The meta data can includeidentifications for the music. The glasses can get such identification.Based on the identification, the song is categorized 5391 accordingly,such as grouped with other songs having the same identification. Suchcategorization process would enhance the ease of accessing the song bythe user at a later time.

In one embodiment, when the user activates the different types of audioplayers, the hearing enhancement mode is deactivated. In anotherembodiment, when the user activates the different types of audioplayers, one or more features of the hearing enhancement capabilitiesoperate on the audio signals from the audio players. In other words,different embodiments of the hearing enhancement capabilities previouslydescribed can be activated or deactivated on the audio signals from thedifferent types of audio players.

Referring back to FIG. 49 , regarding public use, the audio signalsgenerated by the speakers can originate from a public source. The publicsource can be a source that generates the audio signals for many people,or for people in a public environment. For example, the user can be at aconference or a theater. In one embodiment, the glasses can be coupledto the conference microphone or the theater speaker wirelessly, and arecapable of capturing the audio signals therefrom. Again, the couplingcan be through a portable device wired or wirelessly connected to theglasses. Then the glasses re-generate the corresponding audio signalsfor the user. Again, different embodiments of the hearing enhancementcapabilities previously described can be activated or deactivated on theaudio signals from the public sources.

There can be one or more control knobs or switches at the glasses forcontrolling the operation(s) of the glasses. FIG. 54 shows a number ofattributes 5400 regarding control knobs. The knobs can be of differentphysical structure 5402. For example, a control knob can be a roller, aswitch or a push-button. A control knob serving as an up/down controllercan use two buttons (one for up and the other for down), or a roller(rolling in one direction being up and the other direction being down).

A control knob can include additional intelligence 5404. For example, apush-button control knob can serve different purposes depending on theduration the knob is being pushed. If a user pushes it for more thanthree seconds, the knob serves as an on-off toggle switch for theglasses. In another example, a knob can serve multiple purposes, and thespecific purpose depends on the number of times the knob is pushednon-stop.

A knob can also be programmed by a user. A user can connect the glassesto a computer and program the knob accordingly. For example, one canprogram a knob such that if the knob is pushed for more than threeseconds, the knob would serve as an on/off switch for the glasses.

The location 5406 of a control knob can vary for different applications.A control knob can be located on the glasses. A control knob can be onthe top, the side or the bottom of a temple of the glasses. A controlknob can be located at the inside of a temple facing the user.

Assume that there are a number of control knobs and all of them are onthe edges of a temple, except one. By being at a position substantiallydifferent from other control knobs, this knob can serve a specificpurpose. For example, it can be an on/off control knob for all of theelectrical components in the glasses.

In yet another embodiment, a control knob can be located in a portabledevice wired or wirelessly coupled to the glasses, or in a base tetheredto the glasses.

The number 5408 of control knobs can vary depending on operations. Forexample, there is an on/off control knob and a volume up/down controlknob. If the glasses are used for cell phone headset applications, inone embodiment, there is also an answer/hang-up control push-button. Ifthe glasses serve as a radio, in one embodiment, there is also a channelselection control knob, which can be an up/down controller, like twopush buttons. If the glasses serve as a CD player, in one embodiment,there is a play control knob, a stop control knob, and a skipforward/backward control knob. If the glasses serve as a multimediaasset player, such as a MP3 player, in one embodiment, there is askip-forward/backward-song control knob and a select-song-to-playcontrol knob.

In a number of embodiments described, a pair of glasses can servedifferent applications. For such embodiments, a switch on the glasses (abase or a portable device coupled to the glasses) can also servedifferent functions, depending on the application.

Different types of switches are applicable for different applications.Additional disclosures on switches are in U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/583,169, filed on Jun. 26, 2004, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

Regarding power sources for electrical components, in one embodiment,the power sources, which can be batteries and/or solar cells, are in theglasses. In another embodiment, one or more batteries can be insertedinto the glasses. The batteries can be of various sizes and types. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 55A, a coin battery 5420 (e.g. CR1025) can beinserted into the tip section or the free end of one of the temples5416. FIG. 55B shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 55A with a bigger coinbattery 5422 (e.g. CR2032) inserted into the slot. Since the size of thebattery is bigger than the size of the slot, a portion of the battery5422 sticks out of the slot. FIG. 55C shows another embodiment of theglasses that include a slot/cavity to receive a battery adapter 5426.The slot 5418 in FIG. 55A can be the same as the slot 5424 in FIG. 55C.The adapter 5426 can be the same size and shape of the battery shown inFIG. 55A, and with two terminals, just like the battery. However, theadapter, by itself, is not an energy source. The adapter is connected toa cable 5428, with at least two wires inside, one for each terminal ofthe adapter. The adapter 5426 is inserted into the cavity 5424 of theglasses, and is coupled through the cable 5428 to a case or a capsule5430 that holds a battery 5432. The two wires in the cable 5428 are forthe two terminals of the battery 5432. The size and capacity of thebattery held by the capsule can be bigger than the coin battery, andcould be less expensive than the coin battery. In one embodiment, thecapsule 5430 holds an AA battery. Note that in one approach, the templein FIG. 55C is the same as the temple in FIG. 55A. In yet anotherembodiment, the power sources are in a base or a portable deviceconnected to the glasses through a wire connection, and the powersources can be rechargeable.

In a number of embodiments, some of the electrical components forhearing enhancement and/or for generating other audio signals are in abase tethered to the glasses. In other embodiments, some of theelectrical components are in a portable device, wired or wirelesslycoupled to the glasses. In yet other embodiments, all of the electricalcomponents are in the glasses.

In different embodiments, the glasses can be a pair of sunglasses,auxiliary frames, fit-over glasses, prescription glasses, readingglasses, safety glasses, swim masks, or goggles, such as ski goggles.

In a number of embodiments, the frames of the glasses have more surfacearea than frames with minimal structure, such as those frames withlenses connected together by wires. For example, the temples of theglasses can have a taper profile. Each of the temples can be wider orbroader when it is close to its corresponding joint. In one embodiment,the temple is wider or broader by spanning across a wider or broaderarea longitudinally down, creating a bigger surface somewhat parallel tothe face of the user. FIG. 36 shows an example of such an embodiment.

In another embodiment, there can be a shield at least at one of theedges of each of the lens holders of the glasses. These shields can wraparound, or better conform to the profile of, the face of the wearer. Theshields can be opaque. There can be transparent or translucent windowson these shields. To illustrate, in fit-over sunglasses, when worn overa pair of prescription glasses, such shields can go over or cover atleast a portion of the pair of prescription glasses. Note that in oneembodiment, a pair of glasses does not have to include lenses.

A number of embodiments have been described with electrical componentsin the temples of the glasses. In yet another embodiment, at least oneelectrical component is in other parts of the glasses, such as in ashield, the bridge or a lens holder of the eyeglasses.

A number of embodiments of glasses have been described where the glassesinclude hearing enhancement capabilities and can generate one or moretypes of other audio signals. Note that electrical components for suchfunctionalities can be shared. For example, different functionalitiescan share the same power source, or the same processor/controller.

Though a number of embodiments of glasses have been described where theglasses with hearing enhancement capabilities also generate other audiosignals, different embodiments of the glasses only have hearingenhancement capabilities. In yet other embodiments, the glasses do nothave hearing enhancement capabilities, but generate other audio signals.

In one embodiment, the glasses function as a headset and are adaptablefor different applications, such as hearing enhancement, communication(e.g. phone operation) or listening to other audio signals (e.g. MP3operation). The user initially can use the glasses as the headset for aphone or an MP3 player. Later, as the user's hearing degrades, the usercan use the glasses as the headset for hearing enhancement or hearingboosting. In any event, when a person is using the headset, a thirdparty may not be able to tell whether the person is having his hearingenhanced, or listening to other audio signals.

With the glasses functioning as a headset, in one embodiment, theglasses can include a connector and two speakers, one at each temple,both electrically connected through a conductor embedded in the glasses.The conductor can be a wire, similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS.40A-40B. The connector can be located at the free end of one of thetemples, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 43 . The connector can bea standard connector, such as a 3-wire or three terminal plug, or a 3.5or 2.5 mm male stereo mini-phone plug. The three terminals can be forthe two speakers and ground, with both speakers sharing the same ground.In one approach, the positive terminal of the left speaker is connectedat the first terminal of the plug, the positive terminal of the rightspeaker is connected to the second terminal of the plug, and the groundterminals of the speakers are connected to the third terminal of theplug.

The plug at the glasses can be used to receive stereo signals for thetwo speakers. The stereo signals can be from a separate audio source,such as an MP3 player or a radio. There can be an audio cord that has amale stereo connector at one end and a female stereo connector at theother. The female connector of the cord is for receiving the plug at theglasses, while the male connector of the cord is for inserting into theheadset jack of the player or the radio.

The headset can be used as the headset for a cell phone. Phone calls canbe made with the headset using a headset-to-phone cord. FIGS. 56A-56Bshow two embodiments of such a cord. The cord includes a female stereomini-phone jack at one end and a male stereo mini-phone plug at theother end. The three terminals at the stereo mini-phone plug can bedesignated as the m (microphone), s (speaker), and g (ground) terminals.

FIG. 56A shows one approach 5450 for the wiring connections in aheadset-to-phone cord. One end of the cord can have a female stereomini-phone jack for connection to the plug 5452 at a temple tip 5454 ofa pair of glasses. The female jack is not shown in FIG. 56A. The otherend of the cord 5450 has a stereo plug 5456, with three terminals, the m5460, the s 5464 and the g 5462 terminals. The plug 5456 is forinserting into the headset jack of the phone. In the approach shown inFIG. 56A, the two speakers in the glasses are connected in series, andthe microphone 5458 for the phone is attached to the cord, similar tothe microphone 5254 shown in FIG. 44 .

Regarding wiring connections in the cord 5450, the microphone 5458 isconnected with wires between the m 5460 and the g 5462 terminals for theuser to speak into. Note that in this embodiment, the negative terminalof the microphone 5458 is extended through a wire to connect to theground terminal 5462 within the plug 5456. The positive terminal for onespeaker is connected to the s 5464 terminal, and the positive terminalfor the other speaker to the g 5462 terminal. The two negative terminalsof the two speakers are connected together (such as inside the glasses)to complete the circuit. In this embodiment, both speakers are connectedin series and the audio signals of the caller go through both of them.

FIG. 56B shows another approach 5470 for the wiring connections in aheadset-to-phone cord. In this approach, the two speakers in the glassesare connected in parallel. A microphone 5472 is connected between the m5474 and the g 5478 terminals. The negative terminal of the microphone5472 is extended through a wire to connect to the g 5478 terminal at alocation within the plug 5480. The positive terminals for both speakersare connected to the s 5476 terminal, and the negative terminals of bothspeakers to the g 5478 terminal. Again, the microphone 5472 is externalto the glasses and is attached to the cord 5470.

Based on such headset-to-phone cords, the glasses can be used as theheadset of a telephone, such as a cell phone. Also, based on theheadset-to-phone cords, the headset can be used for hearing enhancement,with the microphone in the cord, external to the glasses.

Note that the audio cord and the headset-to-phone cord can be combined.FIG. 57 shows a combined cord 5490 that can perform both functions. Theexample shown in FIG. 57 assumes the two speakers in the glasses beingconnected in parallel. Again the microphone is attached to the cord,external to the glasses.

As shown in FIG. 57 , one end of the cord can have a female mini-phonejack to be connected to the plug 5520 at a temple tip 5522 of a pair ofglasses. That female jack is not shown in FIG. 57 . The combined cord5490 includes a switch 5502. One switch position is to connect thespeakers to a stereo plug 5510. This is the position where the cord 5490functions as an audio cord. The other switch position is to connect thespeakers to a stereo plug 5516. This is the position where the cord 5490functions as a headset-to-phone cord.

With the switch 5502 in the audio cord position, the right 5498 and left5500 speaker terminals of the plug 5520 are connected to the right 5506and the left 5508 terminals of the male stereo connector 5510.

With the switch 5502 in the headset-to-phone cord position, the right5498 and left 5500 speaker terminals are connected to the s 5514terminal of the male stereo connector 5516. The microphone 5492 isconnected between them 5494 and the g 5512 terminals of the stereo plug5516. When the plug 5516 is inserted into a phone jack, the negativeterminal of the microphone 5492 is connected to the ground of the phone.

Instead of having just one connector at the glasses, there can be twoconnectors. Each connector can be located at one of the temple tip, andeach connector can be connected to the speaker at that temple through,for example, a conductor (e.g. a wire) in the temple. In one embodiment,the connectors are standard 2.5 or 3.5 mm male mono mini phone plugs.Such glasses can be used to listen to stereo music based on amono-plugs-to-stereo-plug adapter cord. FIG. 58 shows one embodiment ofthe wiring connections of such an adapter cord 5550. At one end of theadapter cord, there are two female mono mini phone plugs. These plugsare not shown in the figure. Each plug connects to two wires, one signalwire and the other the ground wire. For example, a first female plugincludes signal wire 5552 and ground wire 5554; and the second femaleplug includes the signal wire 5556 and ground wire 5558. Each pair ofwires can be embedded inside a cable, with both cables forming part of alanyard. The other side of the cord 5550 is a male stereo mini phoneplug 5560. Of the 3 connections at the male stereo mini phone plug 5560,one can be connected to both of the ground wires 5554 and 5558, and forthe other two, one to each signal wires 5552 and 5556. The male stereoplug 5560 can be used to receive stereo signals for the two speakers, orcan be used as a plug to receive a telephone call, similar to the stereoplugs at the temples shown in FIGS. 56A-56B. In this example, the malestereo plug is not at the glasses, but is external to the glasses, suchas at the lanyard.

In the above examples on cords, the microphone, such as for a phone orfor hearing enhancement, is external to the glasses. In otherembodiments, the microphone is in the glasses. With the microphone inthe glasses, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 56A-56B, the plugs at thetemple tips are five terminal plugs, with the five terminals being thepositive or the signal terminal for the left speaker, the positive orthe signal terminal for the right speaker, the ground for both speakers,the microphone and the ground for the microphone. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 56A, the ground for the microphone 5458 is connected tothe positive terminal of the right speaker 5462 at the g 5462 terminalof the male stereo plug 5456 within the plug 5456. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 56B, the grounds of speakers and the ground of themicrophone are all connected together at the g 5478 terminal of the malestereo plug 5480.

With the microphone in the glasses, as for the embodiment shown in FIG.58 , the plugs at the temple tips are four terminal plugs, with the fourterminals being the signal terminal for a speaker, the ground for thespeaker, the signal terminal for a microphone and the ground for themicrophone. The male stereo plug 5560 is replaced by a five terminalplug, with the five terminals being the signal terminal for the leftspeaker, the signal terminal for the right speaker, the ground for bothspeakers, the signal terminal for the microphone and the ground for themicrophone.

In the above examples of the glasses functioning as a headset, onemicrophone is described. However, there can be more than one microphone.As described, additional microphones can provide additional benefits.For example, two microphones can be used for noise cancellationpurposes. In another example, two microphones can be for stereoreception purposes with one microphone on the left side and the other onthe right side of the user. For users with significant hearing loss inone of the ears, signals received from that ear can be routed to thespeaker in close vicinity to the other ear. In any event, if there aretwo microphones, with both microphones in the glasses, and if there isjust one connector at the glasses, the connector can have six terminals.The six terminals can be for the signal terminal for each of thespeakers and the signal terminals for the two microphones, the groundfor both speakers, and the ground for both microphones. If there are twoconnectors at the glasses, one at each of the temple tips, again withthe microphones in the glasses, the two connectors can be four terminalconnectors. Each set of the four terminals includes the signal terminalof the microphone and the signal terminal for the speaker at thattemple, and their separate grounds. In these embodiments with more thanone microphone, again, one can use a combined cord that has a switch sothat the glasses with the combined cord are applicable as a headset for,such as, a phone, a hearing booster and an audio player.

Regarding the locations of the speakers, the speakers can be in thetemples, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 36 . In anotherembodiment, as shown in FIG. 59 , a speaker 5577 can be in one 5575 ofthe temple tips.

In a number of embodiments, one or more speakers are embedded orpartially embedded in the glasses. In one embodiment, instead of in themain body of the glasses, a speaker is, for example, at the end of astub or an extension, extended from the main body of the glasses. Thestub can extend from one of the temples of the glasses. There can beelectrical wires inside the stubs to connect the speakers to otherelectrical component(s) in the main body of the glasses. The stubs canreplace a number of the tube embodiments described by bringing thespeakers closer to, or allowing the speakers to be inserted into, theear canal of the user. In such embodiments, there may not be separateear buds because the speakers themselves can be in structures that alsoserve as ear buds. Such ear buds with speakers can also be custom fittedinto the ears of the user. Such ear buds can include venting structuresto reduce to a certain degree the effects of occlusion.

In a number of embodiments with speakers embedded in the glasses, eachspeaker can have a tube extending towards an ear to guide the audiosignals. The tubes can be permanently attached to the glasses. Inanother embodiment, the tubes are detachable from the glasses. There canbe an extension 5579 with a hole at the glasses for a speaker 5577, asshown in FIG. 59 . An external tube 5581 can be attached to or insertedinto the extension 5579 for sound coupling into an ear. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 59 , the external tube 5581 extends from theback of an ear, over the top of the ear, and curls back towards theopening of the ear. Again, there can be an ear bud 5583 at the end ofthe external tube 5581 to further enhance sound coupling to an ear.Also, in this embodiment, a microphone 5585 can be in the glasses at aposition further away from the lens holders of the glasses.

With ear buds in the ears, it may not be necessary to have templesextend behind the ears. FIG. 60 shows an embodiment with each of thefree ends of the temples, such as the temple 5600, having an ear bud5602. The speaker for the ear bud 5602 can be in the structure of theear bud 5602. The speaker can be away from the ear bud, such as insidethe temple 5600 close to the hinge of the temple 5600, but is audiblycoupled to the ear bud. For example, the temple includes a tube or atubular structure inside the temple 5600 to guide the audio signals fromthe speaker to the ear bud 5602 for the ear. In this embodiment, amicrophone 5604 can be located in one of the temples further away fromthe free end of that temple. The pair of glasses can also function as aheadset. If the headset is connected to a portable device through a cord5610, the glasses include at least one connector to receive the cord5610. In one embodiment, the connector 5606 at the glasses is a femaleconnector. The cord 5610 for the portable device ends with a maleconnector 5608 to be inserted into female connector 5606 at the glasses.When the glasses are worn, both ear buds are inserted into the ears ofthe users. Together with the bridge (directly or indirectly through thenose pads) on the nose, and the ear buds inserted into the ears of theuser, the glasses can be stably held on the head of the user. In theembodiment of a wired headset with one connector, when worn, the cord5610 can drape behind one of the ears.

Regarding embodiments with ear buds at the free ends of the temples, inyet another embodiment, the ends of the temples are small and are madeof soft materials. If the user chooses to wear such glasses, but doesnot want to use the speakers, the user has the option to comfortablywear the glasses with the ear buds positioned above his ears.

In one embodiment, the length of the tubes or the stubs is not fixed,but is adjustable. The tubes or the stubs are retractable andextendable, for example, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 38 .The positions of the tubes or the stubs also can be changed, forexample, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 36 . Alternatively, thetemples can be made of malleable materials to allow some adjustment tofit different users. Glasses with such flexibilities, if applied to theembodiments with ear buds at the free ends of the temples, are eveneasier to adjust to fit different users, for example, because one mayonly need to adjust the distance between the ear buds and the lensholders of the glasses.

In yet in another embodiment, a pair of glasses functioning as a headsetwith a speaker and a microphone further includes a camera, as shown inFIG. 61 . The glasses 5650 include a temple 5652 that has a microphone5654, a speaker 5656 and a camera 5658 with a connector 5660. Theconnector 5660 is for connecting, for example, to a portable device thatincludes at least the power source for the glasses.

The camera 5658 is preferably a digital camera with an on/off switch5662. For example, the camera 5658 is a CCD camera with a CCD controllercoupled to a CCD chip, a CCD memory device and a lens.

In one embodiment, with the connector 5660 connected to the portabledevice, when the switch 5662 is pushed on, the CCD chip takes a picture.The charges in the CCD chip are digitized and transmitted through theconnector to the portable device, under the management of thecontroller. At least some of the charges can be temporarily stored inthe CCD memory device, for example, to accommodate the differences inspeed in taking pictures and sending the pictures to the portable devicethrough the connector. In this embodiment, images are permanently storedat the portable device.

In one embodiment, the glasses do not offer focusing capability. The CCDchip can be located, for example, at the focal point of the lens. Inanother embodiment, there is an image distance control knob. Forexample, a mechanical lever can be pre-programmed or pre-set to move thelens to one or more different positions. There can be just twopositions. One position can be for close-up shots and another fordistance shots, such as close-up being about 2 ft from the lens and thedistant being about 6 ft away; or close-up being about 8 inches away anddistant being about 2 ft away.

FIG. 61 shows one embodiment regarding the location of the camera 5658at the end of the temple or arm 5652 of the glasses next to the hinge ofthe temple. The lens of the camera faces forward. In this situation,what the user sees is substantially what the captured image would be. Inother words, in a general sense, what the user sees through the glassesis what the user gets, without the need for an additional view finder.With such an embodiment, it is relatively easy for a user to takepictures, hands-free, without the need for an additional strap forholding the camera.

The connector 5660 at the end of the glasses 5650 can be, for example, a4-terminal connector, one for ground, one for power and the other twofor transmit and receive signals. In another embodiment, the connector5660 can be a 3-terminal connector, with the power line and one of thesignal lines sharing one terminal.

Regarding the embodiment shown in FIG. 61 , the speaker 5656 can be inthe glasses, with a tube 5666 and an ear bud 5668, to help bring audiosignals to the user. In one embodiment, the tube 5666 can be rotated atits end where it connects to the glasses.

In one embodiment, the CCD with the CCD memory device and the CCDcontroller are on the same integrated circuit.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 61 also includes a microphone 5654. In oneembodiment, the CCD memory device also stores audio signals from themicrophone. For example, the memory device stores the last 15 seconds ofaudio signals. When the user takes a picture, the previous 15 seconds ofaudio signals can be coupled to the picture. The next 10 seconds ofaudio signals can also be coupled to the picture. The audio signals orthe digitized version of the audio signals can also be transmitted tothe portable device with the corresponding picture. In the future, ifthe user wants to view the picture, the audio signals can be played withthe picture at the same time.

The electrical components in the portable device for the glasses with acamera can be incorporated in the glasses. For example, the powersources can also be in the glasses and the glasses do not have toinclude a connector. In one embodiment, the glasses include non-volatilememory to store at least a number of pictures. In another embodiment,the glasses further include a connector to receive a memory card, suchas a flash memory device. One embodiment of such a removable card on apair of glasses is shown in FIG. 52 , where the card 5352 can be aremovable memory card. The card can be a standard memory card with a USBconnector. Pictures taken can be stored in the removable memory card.

In yet another embodiment for the glasses with a camera, the glasses donot include a speaker or a microphone. The glasses include a temple thathas a CCD controller coupled to a CCD chip, a CCD memory device and alens. The temple also includes an on/off switch with a connector. Theconnector is for connecting, for example, to a portable device thatincludes at least the power source for the camera.

Additional disclosure on camera in glasses can be found in U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/583,169, filed on Jun. 26, 2004, which ishereby incorporated by reference.

A number of electrical components have been described. They can be oncircuit boards, which can be made of flexible materials. They can be ona substrate. They can also be integrated into one or more integratedcircuits.

Although a number of embodiments have been described of glasses withhearing enhanced and/or other audio signal generation capabilities, inone embodiment, the hearing enhanced and/or other audio signalgeneration capabilities are in another apparatus. When a person is usingthat apparatus, a third party again would not be able to tell whetherthe person is having his hearing enhanced, or listening to other audiosignals. This again may be able to remove the stigma of wearing ahearing aid.

The various embodiments, implementations and features of the inventionnoted above can be combined in various ways or used separately. Thoseskilled in the art will understand from the description that theinvention can be equally applied to or used in other various differentsettings with respect to various combinations, embodiments,implementations or features provided in the description herein.

A number of embodiments in the invention can be implemented in software,hardware or a combination of hardware and software. A number ofembodiments of the invention can also be embodied as computer readablecode on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is anydata storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read bya computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium includeread-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, magnetic tape, opticaldata storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer readable mediumcan also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so thatthe computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributedfashion.

Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will become obviousto those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced withoutthese specific details. The description and representation herein arethe common meanings used by those experienced or skilled in the art tomost effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled inthe art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components,and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring aspects of the present invention.

Also, in this specification, reference to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment can beincluded in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances ofthe phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specificationare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor areseparate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of otherembodiments. Further, the order of blocks in process flowcharts ordiagrams representing one or more embodiments of the invention do notinherently indicate any particular order nor imply any limitations inthe invention.

The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparentfrom the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appendedclaims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention.Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur tothose skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention tothe exact construction and operation as illustrated and described.Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to asfalling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless headset for a user comprising: aprinted circuit board provided in the headset, the first printed circuitboard having at least one electrical component attached thereon, the atleast one electrical component being electrically connected to aplurality of other electrical components, each of the plurality of otherelectrical components being provided at least partially in the headset;a speaker in the headset; a microphone in the headset; and wirelesscommunication circuitry, wherein the at least one electrical componentor the plurality of other electrical components include at least acontroller, wherein the at least a controller is configured tofacilitate modifying power within a range of frequencies based on atleast one hearing characteristic of the user, to help the user hearaudio outputs presented to the user via at least the speaker, whereinthe wireless communication circuitry is configured to wirelessly receivea message, wherein if the message is a text message, the at least acontroller is configured to have at least a portion of the text messagepresented to the user, wherein at least if the message is an audiomessage, the at least a controller is configured to have at least aportion of the audio message presented to the user, and wherein at leastthe speaker is configured to present at least a portion of the message,when the at least a portion of the message is to be presented in anaudio manner.
 2. A wireless headset as recited in claim 1 comprising anaccelerometer.
 3. A wireless headset as recited in claim 1 comprising afirst connector that includes a plurality of conductive pads that areconfigured to couple with a second connector external to the headset,wherein each of the conductive pads is configured to be in contact witha corresponding metallic contact of the second connector when the firstconnector is connected to the second connector.
 4. A wireless headset asrecited in claim 1, wherein the wireless communication circuitry isconfigured to couple to at least a Bluetooth network.
 5. A wirelessheadset as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least a controller isconfigured to facilitate voice recognition, including facilitatingrecognizing at least a word received via the at least the microphone inthe headset.
 6. A wireless headset as recited in claim 1, wherein theheadset includes at least an ear bud configured to be placed in an earof the user.
 7. A wireless headset as recited in claim 1, wherein atleast the microphone in the headset is configured to receive an audioresponse for the message from the user.
 8. A wireless headset as recitedin claim 7, wherein the at least a controller is configured tofacilitate converting the audio response into text to be wirelesslytransmitted.
 9. A wireless headset as recited in claim 1, whereinwireless headset comprises another microphone, wherein the microphone isconfigured to be located closer to mouth of the user than the anothermicrophone when the headset is worn by the user, wherein at least theanother microphone is configured to capture at least ambient noise, andwherein at least a portion of signals from the microphone is configuredto be reduced based on signals from the another microphone at least forreducing at least a portion of the ambient noise in signals from themicrophone.
 10. A wireless wearable device configured to secure to thehead of a user, with the device proximate to at least one ear of theuser to at least help the user hear, the wireless wearable devicecomprising: a printed circuit board provided in the wireless wearabledevice, the printed circuit board having at least one electricalcomponent attached thereon, the at least one electrical component beingelectrically connected to a plurality of other electrical components,each of the plurality of other electrical components being provided atleast partially in the wireless wearable device; a speaker in thewireless wearable device; a microphone in the wireless wearable device;and wireless communication circuitry, wherein the at least oneelectrical component or the plurality of other electrical componentsinclude at least a controller, wherein the at least a controller isconfigured to facilitate modifying power within a range of frequencies,to help the user hear outputs presented to the user via at least thespeaker, wherein the wireless communication circuitry is configured towirelessly receive a message from a mobile phone via at least aBluetooth network, wherein if the message is a text message, the atleast a controller is configured to have at least a notification of thetext message presented to the user, wherein if the message is an audiomessage, the at least a controller is configured to have at least anotification of the audio message presented to the user, wherein thewireless wearable device comprises another microphone, wherein themicrophone is configured to be located closer to mouth of the user thanthe another microphone when the wireless wearable device is worn by theuser, wherein at least the another microphone is configured to captureat least ambient noise, and wherein at least a portion of signals fromthe microphone is configured to be reduced based on signals from theanother microphone at least for reducing at least a portion of theambient noise in signals from the microphone.
 11. A wireless wearabledevice as recited in claim 10 comprising a storage medium configured tostore at least computer program codes for facilitating voicerecognition, wherein at least the microphone is configured to receive atleast a word, with the at least a word recognized using at least thecomputer program codes for facilitating voice recognition.
 12. Awireless wearable device as recited in claim 10 comprising an opticalindicator configured to illuminate in a predetermined manner to providean indication regarding a status of the wireless wearable device.
 13. Awireless wearable device as recited in claim 10, wherein the wirelesswearable device is configured to enable the user to receive and respondto the message hands-free, using at least the speaker and at least themicrophone.
 14. A wireless wearable device as recited in claim 10comprising a sensor configured to at least provide an indicationregarding the wireless wearable device being used.
 15. A wirelesswearable device as recited in claim 10 comprising a motion sensor.
 16. Awireless wearable device as recited in claim 10 comprising anaccelerometer.
 17. A wireless wearable device as recited in claim 10comprising a touch-sensitive input surface configured to receive atleast a touch input to generate at least an electrical signal for anoperation of the wireless wearable device.
 18. A wireless wearabledevice as recited in claim 17, wherein the touch input received at thetouch-sensitive input includes a movement with a direction, and whereinthe direction of movement is determined, with the operation of thewireless wearable device dependent on the determined direction.
 19. Awireless wearable device as recited in claim 10 comprising a pressuresensor.
 20. A wireless wearable device as recited in claim 19, whereinthe pressure sensor includes a Hall-effect sensor.
 21. A wirelesswearable device as recited in claim 10 comprising a first connector thatincludes a plurality of conductive pads that are configured to couplewith a second connector external to the wireless wearable device,wherein each of the conductive pads is configured to be in contact witha corresponding metallic contact of the second connector when the firstconnector is connected to the second connector.
 22. A wireless wearabledevice as recited in claim 10 comprising a display.
 23. A wirelesswearable device as recited in claim 10 comprising a camera.
 24. Awireless wearable device as recited in claim 10 comprising a storagemedium configured to store at least computer program codes forfacilitating voice recognition, wherein at least the microphone isconfigured to receive at least a word, with the at least a wordrecognized using at least the computer program codes for facilitatingvoice recognition, and wherein the wireless wearable device isconfigured to enable the user to receive and respond to the messagehands-free, using at least the speaker and at least the microphone. 25.A wireless wearable device as recited in claim 24 comprising: a sensorconfigured to at least provide an indication regarding the wirelesswearable device being used; a touch-sensitive input surface configuredto receive at least a touch input to generate at least an electricalsignal for an operation of the wireless wearable device; and a firstconnector that includes a plurality of conductive pads that areconfigured to couple with a second connector external to the wirelesswearable device, wherein each of the conductive pads is configured to bein contact with a corresponding metallic contact of the second connectorwhen the first connector is connected to the second connector.
 26. Awireless wearable device as recited in claim 25 comprising a camera. 27.A wireless wearable device as recited in claim 24 comprising: a sensorconfigured to at least provide an indication regarding the wirelesswearable device being used; a pressure sensor; and a first connectorthat includes a plurality of conductive pads that are configured tocouple with a second connector external to the wireless wearable device,wherein each of the conductive pads is configured to be in contact witha corresponding metallic contact of the second connector when the firstconnector is connected to the second connector.
 28. A wireless wearabledevice as recited in claim 27 comprising a touch-sensitive input surfaceconfigured to receive at least a touch input to generate at least anelectrical signal for an operation of the wireless wearable device. 29.A wireless wearable device as recited in claim 24 comprising: a sensorconfigured to at least provide an indication regarding the wirelesswearable device being used; an accelerometer; a display; and a camera.30. A wireless wearable device as recited in claim 29 comprising apressure sensor.
 31. A wireless wearable device configured to secure tothe head of a user, with the device proximate to at least one ear of theuser to at least help the user hear, the wireless wearable devicecomprising: a printed circuit board provided in the wireless wearabledevice, the printed circuit board having at least one electricalcomponent attached thereon, the at least one electrical component beingelectrically connected to a plurality of other electrical components,each of the plurality of other electrical components being provided atleast partially in the wireless wearable device; a speaker in thewireless wearable device; a microphone in the wireless wearable device;wireless communication circuitry; a storage medium configured to storeat least computer program codes for facilitating voice recognition; asensor configured to at least provide an indication regarding thewireless wearable device being used; a pressure sensor; and a firstconnector that includes a plurality of conductive pads that areconfigured to couple with a second connector external to the wirelesswearable device, wherein each of the conductive pads is configured to bein contact with a corresponding metallic contact of the second connectorwhen the first connector is connected to the second connector, whereinat least the microphone is configured to receive at least a word, withthe at least a word recognized using at least the computer program codesfor facilitating voice recognition, wherein the at least one electricalcomponent or the plurality of other electrical components include atleast a controller, wherein the at least a controller is configured tofacilitate modifying power to help the user hear outputs presented tothe user via at least the speaker, wherein the wireless communicationcircuitry is configured to wirelessly receive a message from a mobilephone via at least a Bluetooth network, wherein if the message is a textmessage, the at least a controller is configured to have at least anotification of the text message presented to the user, wherein if themessage is an audio message, the at least a controller is configured tohave at least a notification of the audio message presented to the user,wherein the wireless wearable device is configured to enable the user toreceive and respond to the message hands-free, using at least thespeaker and at least the microphone, wherein the wireless wearabledevice comprises another microphone, wherein the microphone isconfigured to be located closer to mouth of the user than the anothermicrophone when the wireless wearable device is worn by the user,wherein at least the another microphone is configured to capture atleast ambient noise, and wherein at least a portion of signals from themicrophone is configured to be reduced based on signals from the anothermicrophone at least for reducing at least a portion of the ambient noisein signals from the microphone.
 32. A wearable device configured tosecure to the head of a user, with the device proximate to at least oneear of the user to at least help the user hear, the wearable devicecomprising: a printed circuit board provided in the wearable device, theprinted circuit board having at least one electrical component attachedthereon, the at least one electrical component being electricallyconnected to a plurality of other electrical components, each of theplurality of other electrical components being provided at leastpartially in the wearable device; a speaker in the wearable device; amicrophone in the wearable device; a camera; a motion sensor; a display;and communication circuitry, wherein the at least one electricalcomponent or the plurality of other electrical components include atleast a controller, wherein the at least a controller is configured tofacilitate modifying power within a range of frequencies, to help theuser hear outputs presented to the user via at least the speaker,wherein the communication circuitry is configured to receive a messagefrom a mobile phone, wherein if the message is a text message, the atleast a controller is configured to have at least a notification of thetext message presented to the user, wherein if the message is an audiomessage, the at least a controller is configured to have at least anotification of the audio message presented to the user, wherein thewearable device is configured to enable the user to receive and respondto the message hands-free, using at least the speaker and at least themicrophone, wherein the wearable device comprises another microphone,wherein the microphone is configured to be located closer to mouth ofthe user than the another microphone when the wearable device is worn bythe user, wherein at least the another microphone is configured tocapture at least ambient noise, and wherein at least a portion ofsignals from the microphone is configured to be reduced based on signalsfrom the another microphone at least for reducing at least a portion ofthe ambient noise in signals from the microphone.